Basil Zucchini Orzo Salad Recipes

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

ZUCCHINI AND ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Place zucchini in colander and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon salt, toss and let drain for 30 minutes, stirring once or twice. Squeeze dry and transfer to a large bowl, fluffing to seperate strands of zucchini.
• In a food processor mix together the basil and olive oil for 1 minute and then drop garlic through the feed tube and blend until smooth. Add to zucchini.
• In a saucepan bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in 1 tablespoon salt and orzo and return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally (10 minutes). Drain. Add to zucchini, toss. Cool to room temperature.
• Before serving add lemon juice and pepper. Garnish with basil sprigs and olives, toss.

ORZO AND ZUCCHINI SALAD

Steps:

• In a medium pot of boiling salted water, cook orzo until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain well. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet to cool completely.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium. Add zucchini and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until crisp-tender, 4 to 6 minutes.
• Transfer orzo to a medium bowl; add zucchini mixture, basil, vinegar, and remaining teaspoon oil. Season with salt and pepper; toss to combine.

ONE-POT ORZO WITH TOMATOES, CORN AND ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet, for which you have a lid, set over medium. And the onions, lightly season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 8 minutes. Turn the heat to medium-low, add the zucchini and garlic, and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring often.
• Add the tomatoes, basil, red-pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have completely collapsed, 12 to 15 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar and tomato paste and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add 2 1/2 cups water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the orzo, corn, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, mix well, and turn the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan 3 or 4 times, until the pasta is cooked. The pasta should look "saucy" as it cooks; if at any point it looks dry, add another 1/4 cup water.
• Off the heat, add the mozzarella and Parmesan and stir gently until just combined. Top with fresh basil and more red-pepper flakes if desired, and serve hot.

WARM ZUCCHINI-BASIL SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease 2 baking sheets with some olive oil.
• Combine thinly sliced zucchini and olive oil in a bowl. Spread zucchini slices out in a single layer on the baking sheets.
• Roast in the preheated oven until zucchini are soft and lightly browned on the edges, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool slightly.
• Season with salt and pepper. Add basil and mix to combine. Serve warm or cold.

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.)

BASIL ZUCCHINI ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Sprinkle zucchini with salt in a colander and toss (this allows the zucchini to"sweat" out excess water); let stand for 30 minutes, stirring once or twice, then remove and gently squeeze liquid from zucchini.
• In a food processor whir together the basil leaves, oil, garlic, and oregano until well incorporated.
• Place mixture in a large bowl and stir together with the zucchini and set aside.
• In a large pot over high heat, bring the chicken broth to a boil; add orzo and reduce the heat to medium, cooking until orzo is just tender, about 10-12 minutes; drain the pasta well.
• Stir the pasta into the zucchini mixture, then add the lemon juice, grated cheese, and fresh parsley.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Chill for at least an hour before serving as a salad, or serve warm at room temperature as a dinner side dish.
• Makes about 8 servings.