Bab’s Orzo & Rice Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
Description: This delightful salad is a culinary homage to a memorable dish savored at a local restaurant, meticulously recreated by Bab. Drawing inspiration from the original flavors, this salad boasts a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, perfectly complemented by Martha Stewart’s renowned Dijon Vinaigrette, resulting in a refreshing accompaniment to any grilled meat or fish.
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Recipe Category: Rice
Keywords: < 60 Mins
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 525.5
- Fat Content: 36.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 192.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 44.8g
- Fiber Content: 3.8g
- Sugar Content: 9.2g
- Protein Content: 8.3g
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Orzo pasta | 1 cup |
| Wild rice | 1 cup |
| Red bell pepper | 3/4 cup |
| Pine nuts | 3/4 cup |
| Craisins | 2/3 cup |
| Currants | 1/2 cup |
| Red onion | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh basil | 2 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 1/3 cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 cup |
| Kosher salt | 1 tsp |
| Fresh ground pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Instructions:
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Begin by crafting the flavorful Dijon vinaigrette. In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and vinegar until smoothly combined.
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Gradually incorporate the extra virgin olive oil into the mixture, whisking continuously in a steady stream until the dressing achieves a creamy, emulsified consistency.
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Season the vinaigrette with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, adjusting the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Set the vinaigrette aside momentarily.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo pasta and wild rice, ensuring they are thoroughly mixed.
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Introduce the vibrant red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, and toasted pine nuts to the bowl, infusing the salad with layers of texture and flavor.
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Sprinkle the craisins or currants over the salad, adding a delightful touch of sweetness to the ensemble.
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Tear the fresh basil leaves into small pieces, scattering them over the salad to impart a fragrant herbaceous essence.
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Drizzle the prepared Dijon vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with its delectable flavors.
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Gently toss the salad until the ingredients are well-incorporated and coated in the luscious vinaigrette, ensuring every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors.
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Cover the salad and refrigerate it for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, enhancing the overall taste experience.
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Prior to serving, give the salad a final toss to reinvigorate the flavors, ensuring each serving is as vibrant and enticing as the last.
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Present the Bab’s Orzo & Rice Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette with pride, relishing in the delightful medley of flavors and textures that pay homage to the original inspiration while delighting the taste buds of all who partake in its culinary splendor. 🥗
