Light And Refreshing Sesame Orzo Salad Recipe

Name: Light And Refreshing Sesame Orzo Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Salad; 1 1/3 cups orzo pasta, uncooked; 1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped; 1/2 cup green onion, sliced; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped; 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed and drained; 1/2 cup carrot, finely grated; 1/2 cup fresh mung bean sprouts; 1 (5 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained; 1/2 orange; 2 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds; Dressing; 2 tablespoons light sesame oil; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon ginger, minced; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

Servings: persons

Salad
1 1/3 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1/2 cup green onion, sliced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed and drained
1/2 cup carrot, finely grated
1/2 cup fresh mung bean sprouts
1 (5 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained
1/2 orange
2 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds
Dressing
2 tablespoons light sesame oil
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon ginger, minced
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

1
Cook orzo pasta in boiling water for about 4 minutes.
2
Rinse with cold water and drain.
3
Place in a large bowl.
4
In a liquid measuring cup with a spout, mix the dressing ingredients together.
5
Slice the water chestnuts if they weren't presliced, and then cut the slices into quarters to make small pieces.
6
Add these to the bowl with the pasta.
7
Add the broccoli, onions, bell pepper, peas, carrots, and sprouts to the bowl, and mix gently but thoroughly.
8
Add the dressing and mix again.
9
Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
10
Before serving, stir the salad up to remix it, and sprinkle sunflower kernals on top.
11
Thinly slice the orange and then cut the slices in half.
12
Stand these up around the edge of the bowl as a garnish.
13
Serve cold or at room temperature.

560

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 20 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Salad, 1 1/3 cups orzo pasta, uncooked, 1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped, 1/2 cup green onion, sliced, and more.

Yes, Light And Refreshing Sesame Orzo Salad falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Light And Refreshing Sesame Orzo Salad

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions