Imagine a vibrant, refreshing salad that combines the delicate texture of orzo pasta with the subtle sweetness of sautéed zucchini, all brought to life by a zesty chimichurri sauce. This Zucchini Orzo Salad is not just a side dish – it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1/4 cup chimichurri sauce
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a medium-sized pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add orzo pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, wash and dice the zucchinis into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- When orzo is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced zucchini and sauté for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden and tender, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer cooked orzo to a large mixing bowl. Add sautéed zucchini and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Pour chimichurri sauce over the orzo and zucchini, then gently fold to combine and distribute the sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss all ingredients together until well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes for a cooler salad.
Tips
- For the best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged options.
- Make sure to rinse the orzo with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Cut zucchini into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and a professional-looking presentation.
- Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For extra freshness, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a final garnish.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours.
- If you want to add more protein, consider mixing in some grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
