Light and Refreshing Sesame Orzo Salad
Description
This delightful and invigorating salad is the brainchild of a culinary adventure inspired by a cookout that featured grilled salmon and steak. The salad, aptly named for its light and refreshing character, brings a subtle yet flavorful experience to your palate, largely due to the rich essence of sesame oil and the crunch of toasted sesame seeds. If you’re seeking a dish with an Asian flair that strays away from the traditional sweet or vinegar-based salads, this recipe is perfect for you.
It’s recommended to prepare this salad in advance and allow it to chill overnight, as this not only enhances the flavors but also creates a harmonious blend that will impress your guests. Serving it at any temperature is acceptable, but the flavors truly shine when it’s been refrigerated for a while. If you prefer, you can swap out the orzo for rice, which will work just as beautifully in this recipe. The salad fills a generous 2.5-quart serving bowl, making it an excellent choice for potlucks or gatherings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Orzo pasta | 1 1/3 cups |
| Fresh broccoli florets | 1 1/2 cups |
| Green onion | 1/2 cup |
| Red bell pepper | 1/2 cup |
| Carrot | 1/2 cup, grated |
| Mung bean sprouts | 1/2 cup |
| Water chestnuts | 1/2 cup |
| Orange | 1 whole |
| Sunflower seeds | 1/2 cup |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Red pepper flakes | 2 teaspoons |
| Ginger | 1 tablespoon, grated |
| Brown sugar | 1/8 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 165.6 |
| Total Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 36.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g |
| Sugars | 3.9 g |
| Protein | 5.1 g |
Instructions
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Cook the Orzo: Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook for approximately four minutes, or until just tender but still al dente.
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Rinse and Drain: After cooking, promptly drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow it to drain thoroughly before transferring it to a large mixing bowl.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a liquid measuring cup with a spout, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until the brown sugar dissolves completely, creating a harmonious dressing.
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Slice the Water Chestnuts: If your water chestnuts are not pre-sliced, take the time to slice them and then cut each slice into quarters to create smaller, bite-sized pieces.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced water chestnuts to the bowl containing the orzo. Next, introduce the fresh broccoli florets, chopped green onions, diced red bell pepper, grated carrot, and mung bean sprouts to the mix. Using a gentle hand, mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and stir again until every component is lightly coated in the dressing.
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Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for several hours, ideally overnight. This resting period is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Final Touches Before Serving: When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir to remix the ingredients. Sprinkle the sunflower seeds on top for a delightful crunch.
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Garnish with Orange: Thinly slice the orange and then cut those slices in half. Stand these half-slices upright around the edge of the bowl for a beautiful and eye-catching garnish.
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Serve: Present your Light and Refreshing Sesame Orzo Salad cold or at room temperature, and watch as it delights everyone at your gathering.
This salad, with its vibrant colors and textures, not only pairs wonderfully with grilled meats but also stands out as a refreshing dish on its own, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the compliments that are sure to come your way!
