Orzo Salad Recipe
I’ve shared a lot of recipes so far on Love and Duck Fat, but I can’t believe it’s taken me THIS LONG to share this one. You see, my orzo salad recipe is legendary (in my small circle of friends and family). It has actually made an appearance once on my blog before in photos, but I never got around to posting the recipe. You can see it here at my son’s first birthday party.
Orzo salad is one of the recipes I make over and over. I serve it at parties, I pack it up for lunch, we eat it for dinner, late night snacks and even the occasional breakfast–and we never tire of it.
The inspiration for my orzo salad recipe first came from Whole Food’s orzo salad; which is good. When I lived in Boston, I regularly picked up a pint of it on my way to work. I decided to improve on their recipe, which is why this salad is so much better. I make sure that every bite has something fresh and yummy in it. The mix of tastes and textures make this orzo salad so much fun to eat. There’s feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, baby spinach, artichokes, black olives, roasted peppers, balsamic vinegar and lots of good olive oil. I mix in fresh herbs like rosemary and mint and they really amp up the flavor.
Most of these ingredients are something I keep on hand in my pantry and refrigerator at all times, so it’s easy to make this salad whenever I want. It’s also easy to customize, adding or subtracting whatever you have on hand or desire.
Once made, this orzo salad keeps well too. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days and still be as good as when you first made it. Bring it to a pot luck or serve it at a barbecue this summer and see it disappear. Every time I make it, I get asked for the recipe, which is why I’m so happy to finally share it here with everyone on Love and Duck Fat.
If you do make this salad, I would love to hear how much you enjoyed it in the comment section below.
Enjoy!
Orzo Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (2 cups) dry orzo pasta
- drizzle extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup pine nuts
- 1 ½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (OR sliced green onion)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary (OR ½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves)
- 1 jar (14 oz.) baby artichokes, drained
- ¼ cup black olives OR kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- Feta cheese (8 ounces), sliced and crumbled
- 1 cup cucumber, seeded and chopped
- 1 whole roasted red bell pepper, drained and sliced
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- ¾ cup vinaigrette (recipe below)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup good extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Method
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water. Add pasta and cook until al dente (about 7 minutes). Drain pasta and add it to a bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil and toss. Allow to cool completely.
Using a small skillet toast the pine nuts over medium-high heat until they are slightly brown and fragrant.
Toss the orzo with the pine nuts, tomato, onion, herbs, artichokes, olives, feta cheese, cucumber and red pepper.
Add the spinach leaves and vinaigrette. Toss again. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Now this one is RIGHT up my alley! I love things like this for lunch! I have to try this one!!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…Good Eats at Skybokx 109 GastroSports in Natick, MA
Yummy! This looks like a great recipe. Adding to my list to try!
Erica recently posted…Planning a Day in Springfield #MO #route66 #SGF #springfieldcashew #History
That sounds so delicious. Now that’s what I want for dinner.
Triplezmom recently posted…(Non)Crafts for Lazy Parents: Leonardo Da Vinci
I am on a huge salad kick right now and that orzo salad looks absolutely delicious! yum! I want to try it out.
Amber Edwards recently posted…Home Maintenance made easy with HomeZada | Turning a House into a Home
This is the Perfect salad recipe!! Now I will be looking for a chance to bring the salad to a party now.
alice chase recently posted…Happy Hour at Starbucks Starts Today!! Half off all Frappuccinos!
This looks absolutely delicious! I’ll definitely be making it soon. I’ve always been an orzo fan.
Pam recently posted…Celiac Survival Tips From The Nashville Gluten Free and Allergen Wellness Expo
That sounds like a great combination of flavors. I would absolutely love to make this one.
Jennifer Williams recently posted…Getting Out to Enjoy Summer in Style with Paul Frank
My does this look delicious. I have never had Orzo, hoping to try it soon. Thanks for the introduction.
Fabulous Perks recently posted…OOTD White Top + Blue Trousers
This looks very healthy and tasty at the same time. I think I will make this at one of my next parties. I know my crowed would love this.
Pam recently posted…Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Flowers to Plant
That’s a very yummy looking salad; I always need something new for lunch and this looks perfect.
Curby Aardvark recently posted…Goosebumps Planned for an Earlier Release
Looks really yummy! I love a dynamic salad like the one you have there. They fill you up and yet are good for you
Veronica recently posted…Yay or Nay To The Pig?
I have been seeing a lot of recipes that feature orzo lately. I have never had it before, but it really does look good! I am inspired to pick some up at my next grocery trip and try this salad! My husband has been on a kick where he is taking his lunch to work more often, and this would be perfect for him!
Theresa recently posted…Wow Worthy Desserts Made Effortlessly With Simply Sweets Colorcakes!
I have everything but the Orzo, and that’s easy enough to pick up. This looks and sounds delicious!
Rosey recently posted…NY Savings Specials Mega Giveaway
This salad looks delicious. This is the perfect recipe for a hot summer day or a picnic outdoors with the family.
Tough Cookie Mommy recently posted…Mother’s Day Gift Ideas For On The Go Moms At Best Buy! #GreatestMom @BestBuy #Ad
Seems like a yummy and healthy salad to try! !! <3
Aisha Kristine Chong recently posted…Would You Buy Clothing Made of Fur?
Looks and sounds delicious! I’ve pinned this to make sure we give it a try. Thanks for linking up to Real Food Fridays. 🙂
LydiaF recently posted…Real Food Fridays #36
I am a big fan of spinach salads. I am going to have to try this one
Toni recently posted…Being Evil Never Looked So Good, Maleficent Inspired Looks! #MaleficentEvent
I love this recipe! It sounds so crisp and fresh and light…perfect for summertime! Thank you again for linking up at Party in Your PJs.
Kim @ The Cookie Puzzle recently posted…Party in Your PJs #1