How to Make a Basic Orzo Salad

Basic Orzo Salad RecipeBasic Orzo Salad Recipe

Did you know Orzo Salad is a pasta dish?

In our house, orzo is huge. A macaroni product that cooks in minutes and is an excellent addition to salads, soups, and side dishes.

For those unfamiliar with orzo, it is pasta that looks like a large grain of rice. My youngest daughter likes to cook up a batch, add a little salt and butter and enjoy it for lunch. Simple, no fuzz, and a start to her culinary education.

Orzo – A Blank Canvas

I think of orzo as a blank canvas to create wonderful salad recipes like my Seafood Orzo Salad or Carrot Orzo Salad.

Start with a box or bag of cooked orzo, let it cool down to room temperature, add some vegetables, proteins, herbs, and spices and create your own master recipe. This is a basic orzo recipe. Think of it as your starting point.

Then I’m going to offer up a selection of ingredients that work nicely together to give you some ideas, but I encourage you to play around with your own favorite foods to come up with your own.

Grilled Salmon with Orzo

Last night we prepared my wife’s Grilled Salmon Steaks with Lemon and Dill Recipe and created a side dish with orzo and some “what’s on hand” ingredients from the refrigerator and pantry.

For the record, I call them “grilled” salmon steaks, but it is roasted or baked salmon steaks cooked on the grill. The steaks sit on cedar planks, but the fish is cooked with indirect heat.

We needed a side dish to serve with the salmon so we came up with this basic orzo salad recipe. You have a great quick, and easy meal with roasted tomatoes from the freezer, black olives, fresh olive oil, and a little salt and pepper.

Even better was taking the leftover salmon, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces, and adding it to the leftover orzo salad, and you have a seafood orzo salad that can’t be beat.

What Is Orzo?

Bowl of OrzoBowl of Orzo
Orzo

Orzo is a type of pasta that is shaped like grains of rice. It is made from durum wheat flour and water and is usually cooked by boiling it in water until it is tender. Orzo is often used in soups, salads, and other dishes to substitute rice or grains.

It is a versatile ingredient that can be flavored in a variety of ways and pairs well with a variety of different ingredients. Some familiar dishes that include orzo are pasta salads, minestrone soup, and pilaf.

How To Cook Orzo?

Orzo is a type of pasta so it is prepared in a similar way to other types of pasta. To prepare orzo, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Orzo pasta
  • Water
  • Salt (optional)

Here’s how to prepare orzo:

  1. First, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
  2. Then, add the orzo to the boiling water.
  3. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes or until it is tender.
  4. Drain the orzo in a colander, then return it to the pot.
  5. Use the orzo in your recipe as desired, or toss it with a bit of olive oil or butter to prevent it from sticking together.

That’s it! Orzo is a quick and easy pasta to prepare and can be used in various dishes.

How to Make a Greek Orzo Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the orzo under cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and red onion.
  3. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, basil, and oregano in a small bowl—season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss to combine.
  5. Serve the orzo salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

This Greek orzo salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish or light lunch option. For added flavor and texture, you can also add other ingredients such as chopped cucumbers, olives, or bell peppers.

How To Prepare an Italian Orzo Salad?

Here is a recipe for an Italian orzo salad with orzo, vegetables, and a flavorful vinaigrette:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  • ½ cup finely chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the orzo under cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, parsley, and feta cheese (if using).
  3. Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, basil, mustard, and oregano in a small bowl—season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss to combine.
  5. Serve the orzo salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

This Italian orzo salad is a colorful and flavorful side dish or light lunch option. For added flavor and texture, you can also add other ingredients such as olives, chopped cucumbers, or roasted vegetables.