Orzo and Wild Rice Salad ๐ฅ
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 24
Description:
This Orzo and Wild Rice Salad is a delightful submission tailored for those seeking a refreshing change in their salad repertoire. Its versatile nature makes it suitable for both formal gatherings and casual dinners, promising a burst of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups raw wild rice
- 6 cups water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 6 scallions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup almonds, sliced
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a large pot, combine the wild rice with water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to simmer, covered, for approximately 40 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender yet still slightly chewy. |
| 2 | Once cooked, drain the wild rice thoroughly and transfer it to a large salad bowl. |
| 3 | Toss the cooked wild rice with half of the olive oil, ensuring it’s evenly coated. |
| 4 | In another large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta until it reaches the desired level of doneness, typically al dente. This should take around 8 to 10 minutes. |
| 5 | Drain the orzo pasta and add it to the bowl containing the cooked wild rice. |
| 6 | Drizzle the remaining olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the mixture of wild rice and orzo. |
| 7 | Add the finely chopped scallions to the bowl, distributing them evenly throughout the salad. |
| 8 | If you’re preparing the salad in advance, it can be covered and refrigerated at this stage for up to one day before serving. |
| 9 | Just before serving, season the salad with kosher salt (if desired) and freshly ground black pepper to taste. |
| 10 | Finally, stir in the sliced almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the salad for added crunch and nuttiness. |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 118.6
- Fat: 3.8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 3.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 17.9g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Sugar: 0.7g
- Protein: 3.3g
Keywords:
Fruit, Nuts, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Potluck, Weeknight, For Large Groups, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
Serving Suggestions:
This Orzo and Wild Rice Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal. Alternatively, serve it alongside a variety of other salads at potlucks or picnics for a vibrant and nutritious spread. Enjoy the refreshing flavors and textures of this versatile dish!
