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Orzo Salad

4.3

(14)

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Orzo SaladChris Gentile

Orzo is the Italian word for barley, and the slender, grain-shape of orzo pasta makes for a no-fuss, neatly consumed salad, particularly if you are balancing a plate while perched on the edge of a sofa or standing around the TV watching the Super Bowl. Although the salad makes for a great accompaniment to the Stuffed Sliders Your Way, your vegetarian friends will thank you for providing them with an option they will really enjoy as their main dish.

Cooks' Note:

•Orzo salad can be made 2 hours ahead and kept at room temperature. Leftovers can be chilled, but for entertaining purposes, the salad is at its best when made fresh and not refrigerated.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 1/2 hours

  • Yield

    Makes 12 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup pine nuts
1 pound orzo
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, or to taste
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 (12 ounce) jar marinated roasted bell peppers, drained and chopped
1/2 pounds mozzarella, preferably fresh, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 cups chopped baby arugula leaves (2 1/2 ounces)
2 cups chopped radicchio (2 1/2 ounces)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.

    Step 2

    Roast pine nuts in a rimmed sheet pan until golden, about 8 minutes.

    Step 3

    Cook orzo in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until tender, then drain well in a colander.

    Step 4

    Meanwhile, whisk together lemon juice, oil, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl.

    Step 5

    Add hot orzo to dressing and toss. Let orzo come to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

    Step 6

    Add pine nuts, peppers, mozzarella, arugula, and radicchio and toss well.

    Step 7

    Season salad with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice, if desired.

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