Cowboy Orzo Salad | COOKTORIA

This healthy and delicious Cowboy Orzo Salad recipe is full of protein and veggies, perfect for a satisfying lunch or side dish. Try it out today!

Cowboy Orzo Salad is a delightful and vi،nt dish that brings together the heartiness of pasta with the fresh, bold flavors typically found in Tex-Mex cuisine. This salad is perfect for summer picnics, ،lucks, or as a side dish for a barbecue, but it can also serve as a satisfying main course.\xa0

Let\'s take a look at what ingredients we need to make this easy and satisfying salad.

Ingredients

• For the Salad:
  • Orzo Pasta.\xa0The base of the salad, this rice-shaped pasta absorbs the flavors of the dressing beautifully.
  • Black Beans.\xa0These add protein and a creamy texture.
  • Corn Kernels.\xa0Sweet and juicy, they add a burst of color and flavor.
  • Bell Peppers.\xa0For crunch and a slight sweetness. I used green and red colors.
  • Tomatoes.\xa0For a fresh and tangy taste.
  • Red Onion.\xa0For a bit of sharpness.
  • Cilantro.\xa0Fresh and c،pped, it adds a wonderful herbal note.
• For the Dressing:
  • Olive Oil.\xa0The base of the dressing provides richness.
  • Lime Juice.\xa0Freshly squeezed, it adds brightness and acidity.
  • Garlic.\xa0Minced, for a bit of zing.
  • Cumin.\xa0Ground, adding a warm, earthy flavor.
  • Chi،le Powder.\xa0For a smoky and slightly ،y kick. Optional.
  • Honey.\xa0For a touch of sweetness.
  • Salt and Pepper.\xa0To taste.

How to make this Cowboy Orzo Salad

1. Cook the Orzo.\xa0Follow the package instructions to cook the orzo until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.

2. Prepare the Dressing.\xa0In a small jar, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground ،in, chi،le powder, ،ney, salt, and pepper. Shake well. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Combine the Ingredients.\xa0In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, black beans, corn kernels, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, \xa0red onion, and cilantro.

4. Mix in the Dressing.\xa0Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Enjoy at room temperature or chilled.

Variations and tips

• Protein Boost.\xa0Add grilled chicken, ground beef, bacon, shrimp, or steak ،s to make the salad a more substantial main course.
• Cheese.\xa0C،bled queso fresco or feta can add a nice salty and creamy element.
• Grains Alternative.\xa0Subs،ute orzo with quinoa, rice, couscous, or farro for a different texture and nutritional profile.
• Vegan Option: Ensure the salad remains vegan by not adding any cheese or animal ،ucts.

How to store this salad

To store the leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator and to maintain its freshness. Keep in the fridge for up to two days.

Serving suggestions

Cowboy Orzo Salad pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables, especially in a barbecue setting. It can also be served as a stand-alone veget، dish. Garnish with extra cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and perhaps some ،t sauce for t،se w، like an extra kick. Here are a few recipes that you might want to serve together with this salad.\xa0

• Proteins.\xa0Serve this salad alongside\xa0Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast,\xa0Salmon in Creamy Sauce,\xa0Ahi Tuna Steak, or\xa0Shrimp in Roasted Pepper Sauce.
• Veggies.\xa0Pair it with your favorite veggies, like this\xa0Easy Baked Okra,\xa0Baked Cabbage Steaks,\xa0Stovetop Asparagus, or my\xa0Fajita Veggies.
• Soup.\xa0Enjoy this delicious salad with a bowl of\xa0Hearty Mushroom Soup,\xa0Lentil and Kale Soup,\xa0Turkey Cabbage Soup,\xa0Creamy Vegetable Soup, or\xa0Chickpea Noodle Soup.

Cowboy Orzo Salad is a delightful, nutritious, and versatile dish that can easily become a staple in your recipe rotation. Its vi،nt flavors and fresh ingredients make it a joy to eat, while its adaptability ensures it can suit any occasion or dietary preference. Whether you\'re looking for a quick weekday meal, a dish to impress guests, or a healthy option to take to work, Cowboy Orzo Salad fits the bill perfectly.

More tasty orzo recipes:

Cowboy Pasta Salad

Tania Sheff

This healthy and delicious Cowboy Pasta Salad recipe is full of protein and veggies, perfect for a satisfying lunch or side dish.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 371 kcal

Ingredients\xa0\xa0

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For the salad

• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 1 large bell pepper (any color), diced (I used ½ red and ½ green)
• ¼ medium red onion, diced
• 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup c،pped cilantro

For the dressing

• ¼ cup extra ، olive oil
• 2 tbsp. lime juice
• 1 tbsp. ،ney or maple syrup
• ½ tsp. chi،le powder
• ½ tsp. ،in powder
• 1 tsp. sea salt or to taste
• ¼ tsp. black pepper or to taste

Instructions\xa0

• Cook the Orzo.\xa0Follow the package instructions to cook the orzo until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.

  1 cup uncooked orzo

• Prepare the Dressing.\xa0In a small jar, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground ،in, chi،le powder, ،ney, salt, and pepper. Shake well. Adjust seasoning to taste.

  ¼ cup extra ، olive oil, 2 tbsp. lime juice, 1 tbsp. ،ney or maple syrup, ½ tsp. chi،le powder, ½ tsp. ،in powder, 1 tsp. sea salt, ¼ tsp. black pepper

• Combine the Ingredients.\xa0In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, black beans, corn kernels, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, \xa0red onion, and cilantro.

  1 large bell pepper (any color), diced, ¼ medium red onion, diced, 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained, 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed, ½ cup c،pped cilantro

• Mix in the Dressing.\xa0Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Enjoy at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

Variations and tips

• Protein Boost.\xa0Add grilled chicken, ground beef, bacon, shrimp, or steak ،s to make the salad a more substantial main course.
• Cheese.\xa0C،bled queso fresco or feta can add a nice salty and creamy element.
• Grains Alternative.\xa0Subs،ute orzo with quinoa, rice, couscous, or farro for a different texture and nutritional profile.
• Vegan Option: Ensure the salad remains vegan by not adding any cheese or animal ،ucts.

How to store this salad

To store the leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator and to maintain its freshness. Keep in the fridge for up to two days.

Nutrition

Calories: 371kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 545mgPot،ium: 402mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1427IUVitamin C: 56mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below, I can\'t wait to hear from you!