Sesame Pine Nut Orzo Salad

Potluck Orzo Pasta Salad

Preparation Time: 50 minutes
Cooking Time: 9 minutes
Total Time: 59 minutes
Yield: 10 cups
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)
Calories: 274.8 per serving
Fat: 13.3g
Saturated Fat: 1.8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 174.5mg
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 3.2g
Sugar: 1.5g
Protein: 6.5g
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Peppers, Beans, Vegetable, Nuts, Low Cholesterol, Potluck, Savory, Brunch, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups, Beginner Cook, Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup black olives, sliced
• 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried dill weed
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 cup olive oil, divided
• 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook Orzo:

   Related Articles

   • 
     Bran Raisin Delights
   • 
     Golden Chicken Meatloaf: Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
   • 
     Caribbean Spice Explosion: West Indies Meat Rub 🌶️🥩
   • 
     Butterscotch Bliss Zucchini Bread: A Moist and Irresistible Quick Loaf
   • Cook the orzo pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions (typically 7-9 minutes).
   • Drain the cooked orzo and rinse it under cold water. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

2. Prepare Vegetables:

   • Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil to the orzo pasta in the bowl.
   • Mix in the chopped red, yellow, and green bell peppers, celery, broccoli florets, garbanzo beans, and black olives.

3. Make Dressing:

   • In a separate small bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried dill weed, Dijon mustard, curry powder, and gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of olive oil until well blended.

4. Combine and Season:

   • Pour the prepared dressing over the orzo and vegetable mixture in the large bowl.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Blend Well:

   • Gently toss everything together until the dressing coats all ingredients evenly.

6. Adjust Flavors:

   • Taste the salad and adjust seasoning or add more Dijon mustard according to your preference.

7. Toast Pine Nuts:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Spread the pine nuts on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant.

8. Final Assembly:

   • Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top of the salad just before serving.

9. Make Ahead:

   • This salad can be prepared up to 1 day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

10. Serve:

    • Serve chilled or at room temperature.

This Potluck Orzo Pasta Salad is not only vibrant and full of flavor but also packs a nutritional punch with a variety of vegetables and protein-rich beans. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a satisfying meal any day of the week, it’s sure to be a hit with its delicious combination of textures and the rich, aromatic dressing. Enjoy creating this crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!