How to Make Orzo Pasta Salad with Dried Cranberries - A Step-by-Step Guide

Orzo pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It is easy to prepare and can be made with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste preferences. One popular variation of orzo pasta salad is with dried cranberries, which add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. This recipe is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a light and refreshing meal on a warm day.

The combination of orzo pasta and dried cranberries creates a uni...

Read more Snack recipes

Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups water
  • 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked orzo pasta
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped
  • ¾ cup chopped celery
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr 20 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 55 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Bring water, orzo, and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until orzo is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Rinse orzo under cold water and scrape into a large bowl. Let cool for 20 minutes.
  • Stir in green onions, celery, cranberries, lemon juice, sesame oil, vinegar, olive oil, and cayenne pepper. Let stand at room temperature until flavors blend, about 1 hour. Stir in pecans and cilantro before serving.
  • Nutrition

    354 cal.

    • Total Fat: 13g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Sodium: 93mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 52g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 9g
    • Protein: 9g
    • Vitamin C: 8mg
    • Calcium: 47mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 246mg