Salad Side Dish

Orzo Salad

IMG_2852

The Barefoot Contessa has a great orzo salad that has been served over and over at LPB.  However, over the years I have made some changes to pick it up a bit.   We have added a few items, changed some of the veggies for a more flavorful dish.  It is perfect to make the day before and serve at BBQs and other casual events.

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound of orzo pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 red onion, chopped into bite sized pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite sized pieces
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into bite sized pieces
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup feta cheese, chopped into small blocks
  • 1 1/2 cup fresh basil, cut into 1/10 inch strips
  • 1/2 cup dill, finely chopped
  • Zest of two lemons
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Making It

  • Cook the pasta in salted water two minutes under the suggested cooking time, then strain and mix it with 1/2 cup of olive oil, lemon zest and a shake of the salt and pepper.  The pasta will keep cooking
  • Turn the oven to 425 degrees  and throw the chopped onion and peppers onto a baking sheet, add garlic and then toss with red pepper flakes, liberal amount of extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.  Bake for 8 minutes or so then mix into the pasta.  Let the veggies and pasta cool to room temperature
  • Add the feta, basil, dill to the pasta and mix
  • In a small bowl add 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper and whisk together then blend it into the salad
  • Top with more basil and toasted pine nuts and serve

4 comments on “Orzo Salad

  1. mistimaan

    Nice recipe

  2. Elizabeth Longenecker

    I’m making that!! yum!

  3. Pingback: Bonney’s Going Away Pool BBQ – Cooking Conveniently and with Purpose

  4. Pingback: The Lunch Salad – Cooking Conveniently and with Purpose #LPBcooks

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: