Hey y’all! Today, we’re diving into something fresh and tasty—Orzo & Wild Rice Salad! This dish is a true crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with your favorite barbecue or can stand alone as a light lunch. It’s easy to make and packed with flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s get cookin’!
Orzo & Wild Rice Salad
This refreshing salad combines the nuttiness of wild rice with the silky texture of orzo. It’s a beautiful dish filled with colors and nutrients that not only looks good but tastes great too!
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by cooking the wild rice. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Add the wild rice, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the rice is tender. Drain and let it cool.
- While the wild rice is cooking, bring another pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled wild rice and orzo. Then add the diced bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and parsley. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the salad and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold or at room temperature, and enjoy!
This Orzo & Wild Rice Salad is not only easy to make, but it’s also a dish you can customize with your favorite veggies or proteins. Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for a little extra flair. Now gather your folks around and dig into this gorgeous creation. Happy eating!