Mexican Orzo Salad Food

ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Pour the broth into a heavy large saucepan. Cover the pan and bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Stir in the orzo. Cover partially and cook until the orzo is tender but still firm to the bite, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. Drain the orzo through a strainer. Transfer the orzo to a large wide bowl and toss until the orzo cools slightly. Set aside to cool completely.
• Toss the orzo with the beans, tomatoes, onion, basil, mint, and enough vinaigrette to coat. Season the salad, to taste, with salt and pepper, and serve at room temperature.
• Mix the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender. With the machine running, gradually blend in the oil. Season the vinaigrette, to taste, with more salt and pepper, if desired.
• Yield: 1 3/4 cups

MEXICAN ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the orzo, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain.
• Place the drained orzo in a large salad bowl, and fold in the red pepper, yellow pepper, green onions, red onion, chickpeas, kidney beans, black beans, corn, cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour the lime juice and oil over the salad, toss to coat, and refrigerate at least 2 hours to chill before serving.

MEXICAN SALAD

Steps:

• For the dressing: Mix together the mayonnaise, milk, sour cream, parsley, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, hot sauce, garlic and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Set aside.
• For the salad: Prepare a grill pan or grill for medium-high heat. Grill the corn until nice and golden, with good grill marks on the kernels, 10 to 12 minutes. Allow to cool a bit, then cut the kernels off the cobs.
• Add all the salad ingredients to a bowl in layers: first the lettuce, followed by the tomatoes, corn, red onions, cheese and tortilla chips.
• Pour the dressing into a small serving bowl and serve alongside the salad.

ROASTED SHRIMP AND ORZO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt and a splash of oil, and bring the water to a boil. Add the orzo and simmer for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's cooked al dente. Drain and pour into a large bowl. Whisk together the lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Pour over the hot pasta and stir well.
• Meanwhile, place the shrimp on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and spread out in a single layer. Roast for 5 to 6 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through. Don't overcook!
• Add the shrimp to the orzo and then add the scallions, dill, parsley, cucumber, onion, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Toss well. Add the feta and stir carefully. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend, or refrigerate overnight. If refrigerated, taste again for seasonings and bring back to room temperature before serving.

ORZO AND TOMATO SALAD WITH FETA CHEESE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain, and rinse with cold water.
• When orzo is cool, transfer to a medium bowl and mix in olives, feta cheese, parsley, dill, and tomato. In a small bowl, whisk together oil and lemon juice. Pour over pasta, and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill before serving.

MEXICAN STREET CORN ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• To *char the corn, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to a large skillet until it is hot.
• Add corn and stir and toss for about 6-10 minutes until slight char occurs - you could also char corn on grill but I haven't tried that method - see notes for a link to help
• In a large bowl combine the cooled orzo, cooled corn, cilantro, red onion, beans, jalapeno and toss
• If eating right away also stir in bacon, avocado and cheese
• In a small food processor mix the mayo, lime juice, zest, cumin, paprika, chili powder and hot sauce
• Pour over salad and stir gently to combine
• Add salt and pepper to taste.