Craving a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make salad that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Pioneer Woman inspired orzo pasta salad! Bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors, this salad is a delightful combination of tender orzo pasta, juicy oranges, crunchy almonds, salty feta cheese, and briny Kalamata olives. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying.
This recipe takes the best elements of a classic orzo salad and elevates them with bright citrus notes and a medley of textures. Inspired by the hearty and approachable cooking style of the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, this salad is all about simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for a potluck, a light lunch, or a side dish at your next family barbecue.
best orzo salad recipe
This orzo pasta salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or protein. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving, making it a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire. Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with this refreshing and flavorful orzo pasta salad!
Why You’ll Love This Orzo Pasta Salad
What makes this Pioneer Woman inspired orzo pasta salad so irresistible? Here are a few reasons why you’ll be making it again and again:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet oranges, salty feta, and briny olives creates a wonderfully balanced and complex flavor profile.
- Perfect Texture: The tender orzo, crunchy almonds, and creamy feta offer a delightful textural contrast in every bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad actually tastes even better after it has had time to marinate, making it ideal for meal prep or potlucks.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with whole grain orzo, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
Key Ingredients for Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Let’s dive into the star ingredients that make this orzo pasta salad shine:
- Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta is the perfect base for the salad. Whole wheat orzo adds extra fiber and a nutty flavor.
- Fresh Oranges: The juice and zest of fresh oranges provide a bright, citrusy sweetness that complements the other Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
- Kalamata Olives: These briny olives add a salty, savory depth to the salad.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese brings a creamy, tangy saltiness that is essential to the Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Almonds: Toasted almonds provide a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
- Green Onion: Adds a mild oniony flavor that blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Olive Oil and White Wine Vinegar: These form the base of a simple yet flavorful Mediterranean dressing.
- Garlic: A clove of fresh garlic adds a subtle pungent note to the dressing.
pouring dressing into orzo salad
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Orzo Pasta Salad
Making this Pioneer Woman inspired orzo pasta salad is incredibly easy. Follow these simple steps for a perfect salad every time:
- Cook the Orzo: Cook the orzo pasta according to package directions until al dente. Make sure to salt the cooking water for extra flavor. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Rinse the cooked orzo immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming sticky. Drain well.
- Toast the Almonds: While the orzo is cooking, toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly. Once toasted, roughly chop the almonds.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar, pressed garlic, salt, and pepper. Add ¼ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water to the dressing and whisk again. The pasta water helps to emulsify the dressing and adds a nice body to it.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo, toasted almonds, chopped parsley, Kalamata olives, green onion, and feta cheese (if using).
- Dress the Salad: Pour the orange dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Marinate: Let the orzo salad rest for at least 10 minutes at room temperature, or for several hours in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and the orzo to absorb the dressing.
- Serve: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra feta or parsley, if desired.
Tips for the Best Orzo Pasta Salad
- Don’t Skip Rinsing the Orzo: Rinsing the orzo under cold water after cooking is crucial to prevent it from becoming sticky and clumpy.
- Toast the Almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Salads often benefit from a little extra salt or pepper. Taste the salad after it has marinated and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Make it Ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors deepen as it sits, and it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other Mediterranean vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers. You can also add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
mediterranean orzo salad with orange parsley almonds in bowls
Variations to Try
- Vegan Orzo Salad: Simply omit the feta cheese to make this salad vegan. You can add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or extra olives for saltiness.
- Gluten-Free Orzo Salad: Use gluten-free orzo pasta or substitute with another small gluten-free pasta shape.
- Nut-Free Orzo Salad: Omit the almonds or replace them with pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for a similar crunch.
- Spicy Orzo Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a touch of heat.
Serving Suggestions
This orzo pasta salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- Side Dish: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy a bowl of orzo salad for a refreshing and satisfying lunch.
- Potluck Favorite: This salad travels well and is always a hit at potlucks and picnics.
- Meal Prep: Make a batch of this salad on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for easy lunches or side dishes.
Enjoy Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Orzo Pasta Salad!
This vibrant and flavorful orzo pasta salad is sure to become a new favorite. With its Mediterranean flavors, easy preparation, and make-ahead convenience, it’s perfect for any occasion. Bring a taste of sunshine to your table with this delightful and refreshing salad!
