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Refreshing Summer Orzo Salad

SUBMITTED BY: prell2k4  PHOTO BY: somethingdifferentagain?! 

"This is a wonderfully light salad for those hot summer nights. If you like, it goes well with the addition of either tuna or grilled chicken."
Refreshing Summer Orzo Salad Recipe
RECIPE RATING:
This recipe has been rated 26 times with an average star rating of 4.7
Read Reviews (21)
PREP TIME  20 Min
COOK TIME  15 Min
READY IN  35 Min

SERVINGS

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Servings
 

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (16 ounce) package orzo pasta
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup pine nuts
  • 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
  • 1 (2 ounce) jar capers, with liquid
  • 12 ounces basil-flavored feta cheese
  • 1 (10 ounce) bag fresh spinach leaves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

What to Drink?
Wine Sauvignon Blanc

DIRECTIONS

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
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REVIEWS

The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.69 star rating.
Reviewed on Apr. 13, 2008 by Marie C. 
This salad has good flavor. I especially liked the touch of thyme. I used reduced sodium broth... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.69 star rating.
Reviewed on Jul. 5, 2008 by SunnyByrd 
This is really tasty. I also skipped the chicken broth, used fresh herbs, and plain feta. I... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.69 star rating.
Reviewed on May 15, 2008 by auntwendy9 
Yummy!!! This was delicious, and so easy to make. I was just cooking for me, so I halved it,... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.69 star rating.
Reviewed on Sep. 3, 2008 by somethingdifferentagain?! 
Loved this recipe! I had almost all the ingredients, but not the right AMOUNTS, but it still... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.69 star rating.
Reviewed on Jun. 3, 2008 by Jennifer 
I needed to use up a lot of fresh cilantro, and this recipe was a great template! Omitted the... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.69 star rating.
Reviewed on May 11, 2008 by SLJ6 
Scrumptious! Loved this as well as my family. Delicious flavors, loved the fresh spinach,... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.69 star rating.
Reviewed on Jul. 5, 2008 by mykidsmom 
Yummy, I loved this salad. it was a hit at yesterday's foruth of July celebartion. very easy... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.69 star rating.
Reviewed on Jun. 8, 2009 by saucymama 
This was delicious! A welcomed change from the regular ol' pasta salad. I used fresh basil and... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.69 star rating.
Reviewed on May 28, 2009 by KymInNM 
Oh, wow. This is SO GOOD! Excellent combination of flavors and textures. The only changes I... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.69 star rating.
Reviewed on Jan. 14, 2009 by Becca 
Delicious light salad. Perfect for summer gathering or anytime. Makes a lot! MORE

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Recipe Submitter:

Photo by prell2k4

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Living In: Sterling, Virginia, USA

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Nutritional Information
Refreshing Summer Orzo Salad

Servings Per Recipe: 8

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 515

  • Total Fat: 28.1g
  • Cholesterol: 47mg
  • Sodium: 1299mg
  • Total Carbs: 48.6g
  •     Dietary Fiber: 3.6g
  • Protein: 19.6g

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