Orzo Salad with Sesame Dressing

Light, refreshing, and packed with vibrant flavors, this orzo salad with sesame dressing is the perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and bold Asian-inspired flair. Tender, al dente orzo is paired with crisp cucumber, sweet red bell pepper, and zesty scallions, all brought to life by a luscious sesame dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and a hint of fresh ginger. Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil completes this dish with a silky finish. Ready in just 25 minutes and served chilled or at room temperature, this versatile salad works beautifully as a side dish or a standalone meal. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Orzo pasta
• 6 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 large Cucumber
• 1 medium Red bell pepper
• 3 Scallions
• 2 tablespoons Toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Sesame oil
• 1.5 tablespoons Rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 1 clove Garlic
• 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1.5 cups of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente.

Step 2

Drain the orzo and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 3

While the orzo is cooling, finely dice 1 large cucumber and 1 medium red bell pepper. Slice 3 scallions thinly, both white and green parts. Set aside the prepared vegetables.

Step 4

In a small mixing bowl, prepare the sesame dressing: finely mince 1 clove of garlic and grate 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger. Combine with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 1.5 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced scallions, and 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds.

Step 6

Pour the sesame dressing over the salad. Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 7

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the salad and give it a final toss just before serving.

Step 8

Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately if preferred.

Step 9

Enjoy the orzo salad as a light meal or as a side dish with grilled meats or fish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2462.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1838.6

Total Fat 69.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.9g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3577.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 273.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.9g	0%
Total Sugars 34.7g
Protein 47.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 395.2mg	0%
Iron 15.7mg	0%
Potassium 1178.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.6%

Protein: 10.0%

Carbs: 57.4%