Lemon Basil Orzo Salad Food

LEMON BASIL GREEK ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• To a large pot, add the orzo and cook according to package directions. Drain and return to pot or very large bowl; set aside.
• While orzo is cooking, to a large skillet add 3 tablespoons olive oil, onions, and cook for about 3 minutes; stir intermittently.
• Add the zucchini, garbanzo beans, season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper pepper, Italian seasoning, oregano, and cook for about 3 more minutes, or until zucchini is slightly softened; stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
• Add the garlic, stir to combine, and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
• Transfer the onion and zucchini mixture to the large pot with the drained orzo.
• Add the spinach (looks like a lot but it will wilt) and stir to incorporate. Stir for about 2 minutes, or until it begins to wilt from the carryover heat.
• Add the cucumbers, tomatoes, basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and stir well to incorporate.
• Add the feta and stir to combine. Tip - If you want the feta to remain more intact, don't add it until the orzo has cooled down a bit, or it will melt, which is totally fine, you just won't see the white crumbles.
• Taste, and as desired, add additional salt and pepper. I added an additional approximately 2 additional teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper because it's a very large quantity of food.
• If desired, drizzle in additional olive oil. I added another approximately 2 tablespoons for flavor and so that the orzo doesn't stick as it cools.
• Serve immediately. Recipe can be served warm, at room temp, or chilled.

LEMON-BASIL ORZOTTO

Steps:

• In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until fragrant and translucent. Add the orzo and toast for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the wine and cook until absorbed.
• Gradually add the chicken stock, stirring frequently. Bring to a simmer, lower the heat, and cover. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the liquid is almost absorbed and orzo is tender. Remove from the heat.
• Stir in peas, Parmesan, fresh basil, lemon zest, heavy cream, and lemon juice. Season the orzo with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.

LEMONY BASIL ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Bring 5 quarts of water to a rolling boil and add 1/4 cup salt. Add the orzo pasta to the water and stir. Bring the water back up to a boil. Stirring occasionally, cook for 9 minutes.
• While the orzo is cooking, zest and juice the lemons into a large mixing bowl, and whisk in the olive oil.
• When the orzo is done cooking, drain it (do not rinse), and toss it with the dressing while still hot.
• Allow the pasta and dressing to cool while you chop the rest of the ingredients.
• Fold in the red peppers, grape tomatoes, green onions, parsley and basil.
• Refrigerate for at least two hours. Serve cold.

LEMON BASIL ORZO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Place in large bowl.
• Drain liquid from artichokes and chop.
• Add artichokes, tomatoes, basil, lemon, lemon juice and mozzarella. Stir. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
• Drizzle in the olive oil and stir well.
• Serve.

LEMON BASIL ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook orzo in generously salted water. Drain and rinse with cold water, until cooled.
• Place basil, garlic, and lemon zest in a food processor. Pulse repeated until uniformly chopped. Add lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper. Pulse a couple more times, until combine, but not smooth.
• Place cooled orzo into a bowl and toss with the flavorful basil lemon sauce. Add any additions you like- cherry tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, snap peas, goat cheese, avocado, nuts, seeds, arugula, etc.
• Orzo will soak up much of the salt after it sits, so make sure to taste for salt right before serving. I'll usually add another ¼ teaspoon. Adjust lemon adding more to taste.
• Enjoy!

ONE-POT LEMON-BASIL ORZO AND VEGETABLES

Steps:

• In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is lightly browned. Transfer zucchini to plate.
• Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil, the onion and garlic to skillet. Cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until softened. Add orzo; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until orzo is lightly toasted. Stir in broth, tomatoes, chick peas, lemon peel, salt and pepper. Heat to boiling; cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook 8 to 10 minutes or until most of liquid has absorbed and orzo is almost tender.
• Add zucchini and lemon juice to orzo mixture; stir to combine. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 3 to 5 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Stir in basil, and serve.

ORZO SALAD WITH LENTILS AND ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lentils and cook for 9 minutes, then add the orzo and cook until the lentils and orzo are cooked through but not mushy, another 10 to 12 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the oil, lemon juice and pepperoncini. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. If using small or medium zucchini, halve them lengthwise, then slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons. (If using large zucchini, quarter them lengthwise first, then slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick triangles.) Add to the dressing and stir to combine.
• Drain the lentils and orzo very well, then add to the zucchini, along with the pistachios and scallions. Stir to combine, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the herbs just before serving. Eat warm or at room temperature. (Salad keeps, refrigerated, for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature and adjust seasonings before eating.)

TOMATO AND BASIL ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• In a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, bring 1 1/2 to 2 quarts water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until barely tender to bite, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, rinse and core tomatoes; chop and place in a large bowl. Add basil, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar; mix gently.
• Drain pasta well and add to tomato mixture. Mix, adding parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.

LEMON-BASIL ORZO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook orzo as directed on package, omitting salt; drain. Place in large bowl.
• Whisk dressing, basil and juice until blended. Add to orzo with remaining ingredients; mix lightly.
• Refrigerate 1 hour.

LEMONY ORZO SALAD WITH FETA AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• If pine nuts are not toasted, toast them on a cookie sheet in a 350F oven for 5-10 minutes or until golden brown.
• Boil water in a 6-8 quart pot with optional flavor cubes.
• Add orzo and cook until tender.
• Drain orzo in colander and rinse with cold water.
• Toss orzo in a large bowl with the olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
• Then toss in the rest of the ingredients.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• You can add more lemon juice if you like it really lemony.
• Chill salad for 3-4 hours before serving.