Best Ginas Orzo Salad Recipes

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD

Mediterranean Orzo Salad image

You'll love this easy orzo salad loaded with chopped veggies, fresh herbs and other Mediterranean favorites. Tossed in a bold lemony dressing. For the best flavor, dress the Mediterranean orzo salad while the orzo is still a little warm. Pasta that hasn't cooled completely will drink up the dressing really well. And allow the salad to sit for at least a few minutes (or up to an hour in the fridge) for the flavors to meld before serving.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories Salad

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 ½ cup dry orzo pasta
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, (halved)
2 green onions, (trimmed and chopped (both white and green parts))
½ green bell pepper, (seeds removed, chopped)
1 cup packed chopped fresh parsley, (about 1 ½ ounces)
½ cup packed chopped fresh dill, (about 0.5 ounces)
¼ cup sliced pitted kalamata olives, (about 1 ounce)
2 teaspoons capers
Feta cheese, (to your liking)
1 lemon, (zested and juiced)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, (minced)
1 teaspoon oregano

Steps:

Cook the orzo pasta according package instructions (mine took about 8 minutes). Drain and cool briefly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grape tomatoes, green onions, bell peppers, parsley, dill, olives and capers (hold the feta for now). Add the orzo pasta.
Make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano and a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined and the orzo pasta is well coated with the dressing.
Top with pieces of creamy feta cheese. Cover and refrigerate for a bit before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 111.1 kcal, Carbohydrate 6.9 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Cholesterol 0.4 mg, Sodium 39.4 mg, Fiber 2.3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CRISPY ORZO SALAD

Crispy Orzo Salad image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 40m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons jarred green olive tapenade
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon Calabrian chili paste
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 to 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, sliced thin
2 roasted red peppers, sliced into thin strips
1 bulb fennel, shaved thin
One 6-ounce combo package of provolone and genoa salami, sliced thin
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup par-cooked orzo pasta (see Cook's Note)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

For the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, tapenade, vinegar, oregano and chili paste in a large bowl. Season with the salt.
For the salad: Add the chopped romaine, roasted red pepper, fennel, provolone and salami to the dressing. Toss well to coat.
For the pasta: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the par-cooked pasta and fry until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove to a paper towel-lined plate and season with the salt. Sprinkle the crispy orzo over the top of the salad and serve.

ORZO AND BROCCOLI SALAD

Orzo and Broccoli Salad image

Italian dressing, feta and almonds give this orzo salad great flavor, but the festive color comes from broccoli and cherry tomatoes. Now it's perfect.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories Special Occasion Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 14 servings, about 3/4 cup each

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 pkg. (16 oz.) orzo pasta, uncooked
5 cups small broccoli florets
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 small red pepper, chopped
1 cup KRAFT Tuscan House Italian Dressing, divided
1 pkg. (4 oz.) ATHENOS Traditional Crumbled Feta Cheese
1/2 cup chopped PLANTERS Almonds

Steps:

Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt and adding broccoli to the boiling water for the last 2 min.; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain well.
Place pasta mixture in large bowl. Add tomatoes, peppers and 3/4 cup dressing; mix lightly.
Refrigerate 1 hour. Add cheese, nuts and remaining dressing; mix lightly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250, Fat 11 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Sodium 240 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 8 g