Tomato-Enhanced Orzo Salad with Crunchy Pine Nuts
Light and Zesty Orzo Pasta Salad with a Cucumber Side
Give your taste buds a vacation with this vibrant Orzo Pasta Salad that bursts with summer flavors. A kiss of lemon and fresh herbs team up with classic ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil. Toss in toasted pine nuts for an added crunch that'll leave you licking your plate. Pair it with a zesty cucumber salad recipe for a delightful picnic or potluck event.
- Servings: 8-10
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
Orzo Pasta Salad Ingredients:
- 1 pound orzo
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1/2 medium English cucumber, seeds removed and chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 2 scallions, finely chopped (white and light green parts only)
- 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest (approximately from 3 medium lemons)
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, adjust as needed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preparation:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the orzo until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.
- Transfer the orzo to a large bowl, then mix in the tomatoes, cucumber, pine nuts, olive oil, basil, parsley, scallions, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice if needed.
- Chill the pasta salad before serving, or serve at room temperature. Enjoy!
Cucumber Salad Recipe:Here's a bonus cucumber salad recipe that complements this Orzo Pasta Salad perfectly!
With its refreshing, light, and easy-to-make nature, this Orzo Pasta Salad is an ideal choice for a fun-filled get-together with friends or family! Pair it with a zesty cucumber salad recipe, and you'll be ready to please the crowd with an unforgettable dish.
Bonus Cucumber Salad Recipe:
This cucumber salad will earn you some serious points as a trusty side dish for any occasion. You can easily customize it to lean more toward Asian or Mediterranean flavors, depending on your preference.
- Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or rice vinegar for a Mediterranean twist)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or cilantro
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Instructions:
- Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, sprinkle with salt, and let them rest for about 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Rinse and pat dry.
- In a bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon juice (or rice vinegar), sesame oil (if using), garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Toss the cucumbers with the dressing and sprinkle with dill or cilantro. Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
This cucumber salad is perfect for a refreshing contemporary twist on a traditional Orzo Pasta Salad. Don't forget to adjust the amount of garlic, dill, and spices according to your taste preferences. Happy cooking!
This Orzo Pasta Salad recipe, with its vibrant summer flavors, includes uncategorized ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, and pine nuts. The salad yields approximately 70 servings when prepared with 1 pound of orzo (70ea61e694db5fdf5b5d83ab12c06226). For a complementary side dish, try the provided bonus cucumber salad recipe, which is easy to make and offers a refreshing twist. The salads pair nicely for a delightful picnic or potluck event, making this meal an ideal choice for a fun-filled gathering. Don't forget to add a touch of lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice for enhanced flavor, and adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
