Zesty Orzo and Veggie Salad

Sponsored post written by me on behalf of DaVinci Pasta. The opinions and text are all mine.

You know that moment when you get home, open the fridge and just stare at it as if some dish is going to miraculously appear? This happened the other day when I had no idea what to cook until I noticed a bag of precut veggies sitting in the fridge. I then remembered I had received some bags of DaVinci Orzo pasta a few days before. If there is a pasta that goes well with veggies it is Orzo pasta. I had all I needed to make a delicious Zesty Orzo and Veggie Salad.

For the beginner cook wondering what Orzo is; It is a form of short-cut pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice. Because of its similarity to rice it is often used as a rice substitute. DaVinci Orzo pasta is made in Italy with the finest ingredients, making it the perfect canvas for creative meal ideas like this Zesty Orzo and Veggie Pasta Salad. DaVinci Orzo can be found in Italian markets as well as a variety of grocery stores including your local store. The different varieties of DaVinci Pasta can be found using the product locator

Orzo pasta is very popular in salads because it goes very well with crunchy veggies and it is a good way to bulk up a salad. It is great in soups, pilafs, casseroles and risotto. In the cold weather, a hot bowl of lemon chicken orzo soup is my favorite. Another fun way to use Orzo pasta is to stuff it into halved avocados or tomatoes for pretty presentation.

My Orzo Salad is quick, easy and there are so many ingredients that can be added to it. Delicious possibilities include cucumbers, radishes, dill, tomatoes, red onion, green peas, asparagus, feta, basil and more. You simply cannot go wrong with Orzo as it goes well with many things.

I spiced up my orzo salad with a little curry. The addition of curry may seem a little strange in this dish but it does not overpower the dish at all. I added a little lemon juice which mellows the strong curry flavor. The curry creates a unique depth in flavor unlike any orzo salad you will have. Another unexpected ingredient in this salad is capers which provide a hint of saltiness.

This zesty Orzo and veggie salad can be served warm and it will keep well in the fridge for a few days. It makes a great take to work lunch meal. Since I made more than enough for dinner, my fiancé and I were able to have leftovers for lunch the next day.

Orzo salad can be served with any protein from chicken, beef, pork or fish like I did. If you like you can eat it alone or even top with a fried or poached egg.

Looking for more Orzo salad inspiration? Check out my delicious Orzo and Hearts of Palm Salad recipe too.

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Print Recipe

Veggie Orzo Salad

Course

Side dish

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

12 minutes

Servings

people

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
• 3 cups mixed veggies broccoli, carrots, brussels sprouts,
• 1 1 cup sliced yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
• 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tsp capers
• salt and freshly ground pepper
• olive oil
• red and yellow peppers sliced
• Lemon zest

Course Side dish Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 12 minutes Servings people Ingredients 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta 3 cups mixed veggies broccoli, carrots, brussels sprouts, 1 1 cup sliced yellow onion 3 cloves garlic 2 tsp curry powder 1 tsp minced fresh ginger 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 tsp capers salt and freshly ground pepper olive oil red and yellow peppers sliced Lemon zest

Instructions

1. Cook orzo per package directions
2. While the pasta water is coming to a boil, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, ginger, garlic, capers, salt, and pepper. Set aside
3. In a large wok sauté onion for 3 minutes. Add curry powder and cook another 2 minutes. Add mixed veggies to onions and cook for 5 minutes until veggies are tender but still have a bite to them.
4. Drain orzo and rinse under cold water.
5. When the pasta and vegetables are ready, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper as desired.