This Orzo Saladis a healthier version of your typical pasta salad but just as flavorful, Ingredients include fresh vegetables and herbs doused in a zesty dressing. Perfect whether you crave a no-frills lunch, or need something nutritious whenever company comes in (or for your yoga-meet-gal-pals nights) during summer.MONTH Archives | ANDYZDUNN At yumy24. At EatingWell. Com, we believe that healthy food should also taste good and this Orzo Salad is the epitome!
In this orzo salad, the chewy bite of orzo is combined with an arrangement of crunchy fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and a spritzing lemon vinaigrette that creates an addictive juggling act in your mouth between flavors. It is also very versatile and can be adapted to suit many different dietary preferences.
The Perfect Healthy Bowl = Orzo Salad
Summary: Great for those who are looking for a delicious yet low-calorie meal, the Orzo Salad is one of the best items you can pick. In fresh and lively Lemon Orzo Salad, the happy outcome of balance is soft but not mushy orzo against juicy-for-days vegetables plus that briny olive tanginess with bitey feta all surrounded by a bright lemon vinaigrette. In addition, it is an excellent source of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats for the heart that you can consume at any time.
Orzo Salad Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients needed to make an Orzo Salad that’s full of taste and nutrition:
Orzo Pasta — The white rice-shaped pasta is the highlight of this recipe. With its soft, fluffy texture it couples perfectly with fresh veggies and a touch of vinaigrette.
Cucumbers: for a refreshing crunch and some hydration in the salad.
Essential Nutrients All About Cherry Tomatoes: Small, sweet, and big on vitamins C & A “These little tomatoes are fat-free yet have a lot going for them nutritionally.
Red Onion: A sharp and savory addition that makes the salad pop.
Kalamata Olives: These olives lend an intense, salty flavor that suits the Mediterranean vibe of this dish.
Crumbled Feta Cheese: A creamy, salty topping that counters the acidity of the dressing.
Freshest Herbs: This is a parsley salad, but the mint in here creates such an amazing contrast of fresh flavors!
Lemon Vinaigrette — Olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard,, and a little honey for sweetness.
Optional Add-Ins
However, to make your Orzo Salad very specialand more personalized you can add the following ingredients:
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Increase the protein content of this vegetarian salad by grilling up some meats like grilled shrimp and chicken LinkedHashMapJNI.
Artichoke Hearts: For a more Mediterranean feel, add some artichoke hearts to give it that texture and flavor.
Chickpeas: Are an option of plant-based protein, which thickens and improves the satiety power of salad.
How to Make Orzo Salad
Make this great Orzo Salad at home with these easy steps:
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Boil the orzo pasta according to package instructions first. Cook pastauntil al dente then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the noodle from continuing to cook. Set aside and let it cool.
Step 2: Get Ready for the Vegetables
Prepare your vegetables while the orzo is cooling. Chop the cucumbers, half the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice on your red onion. Make sure to slice the veggies very small that way they blend in perfectly with the orzo.
Step Three: Prepare the Lemon Vinaigrette
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (sweetness and acidity to bring out the ingredients), and Dijon mustard for some hint of that classic tanginess from go-with-everything mustard everyone knows and loves but didn’t think would end up on this page??) using honey instead since salads should be sweet enough or whatever. ·). The dressing plays a crucial role by enhancing the colorful, tangy taste of the salad.
Step 4: Fold the Ingredients Together
In a big bowl mix the cooked orzo, vegetables Kalamata olives slightly processed red onion feta fresh herbs Add the lemon vinaigrette to the salad and gently toss so that all ingredients are coated evenly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle with a little extra parsley or mint for color and flavor. Serve this salad right away or let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to marry the flavors.
Health Benefits of Orzo Salad
Not only is Orzo Salad delicious it also has great health benefits:
High in Antioxidants: Cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs are high in antioxidants like vitamins A& C which help stop cell breakdown.
Dietary Fiber: Because of the vegetables and herbs in this salad, you can guarantee that it is loaded with fiber for digestion support as well as to help keep your belly full longer.
Olive Oil: Olive oil and Kalamata olives provide heart-healthy fats.
Protein choices – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the couscous salad for a more satisfying meal. Naturally Low in Calories: Compared to a lot of pasta dishes that are on the heavier side, this salad is lower in calories which means it’s great for everyone who watches their daily caloric intake.
These can also be a perfect to go or as meal prep.
The great thing about Orzo Salad is that it can make anything. It’s meal prep keep in the refrigerator for a few days without it launches freshness, making it perfect for meal-preheat up make a big bait then split it up for either lunches during the week get-together fast you can heat-up at night wh, en it has been a long day. This also is a great side dish for get-togethers be it a summer BBQ, family dinner or especially a picnic. Perfect for make-ahead meals because the flavors meld together as they sit.
Serving Suggestions
Makes a great light lunch on its own or is perfect to accompany tougher cuts of meat for dinner: Orzo Salad.
Main Dish — To turn this salad into a protein-packed main dish, just mix in some grilled chicken or shrimp,(or even chickpeas—yum).
Grilled Vegetables: Pair it with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant or bell peppers for a Mediterranean (which is superb Italian red wine country) meal.
Flatbread or Pita: For a more substantial meal, serve the salad with warm flatbread, read, or pita.
Servipotluckstion: This salad is a great side dish with grilled meats, along with seafood for your next potluck or buffet.
Conclusion
It is the perfect dish for bright-tasting healthy fare and makes an all-around fresh addition to aneal! Loaded with flavor, this Mediterranean Chicken Bowl is the perfect delicious and light bowl for as a side or for lunch. Jump to Recipe Then make it now this simple, adaptation, and easy recipe is made with only fresh vegetables, herbs, and a delicious lemon vinaigrette at Yumy24. com!
