Lightandrefreshingsesameorzosalad Recipes

LIGHT AND REFRESHING SESAME ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook orzo pasta in boiling water for about 4 minutes.
• Rinse with cold water and drain.
• Place in a large bowl.
• In a liquid measuring cup with a spout, mix the dressing ingredients together.
• Slice the water chestnuts if they weren't presliced, and then cut the slices into quarters to make small pieces.
• Add these to the bowl with the pasta.
• Add the broccoli, onions, bell pepper, peas, carrots, and sprouts to the bowl, and mix gently but thoroughly.
• Add the dressing and mix again.
• Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
• Before serving, stir the salad up to remix it, and sprinkle sunflower kernals on top.
• Thinly slice the orange and then cut the slices in half.
• Stand these up around the edge of the bowl as a garnish.
• Serve cold or at room temperature.

REFRESHING SUMMER ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Bring the chicken broth to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo pasta, and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well, then pour the orzo into a bowl, and toss with the butter to keep it from sticking; set aside.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, and cook until the garlic softens and the aroma mellows, about 2 minutes. Stir in the basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, and pine nuts. Cook and stir until the pine nuts have toasted to a light golden brown.
• Stir the pine nut mixture into the orzo along with the olives, capers, feta cheese, spinach, and lemon juice. Serve either warm or cold, but it's better the next day.