The perfect dish for all your warm-weather plans, this summer orzo salad includes grilled corn and zucchini, cilantro, goat cheese, and a lime-mayo base.
A majority of the recipes I post are enjoyed by Dan and me on a regular basis. But this summer orzo salad has joined us over the past two years for many potlucks, family gatherings, and is just a staple in our fridge as a lunch or dinner side.
I’ve sent it around through email, snail mail, and carrier pigeon (kidding) because it’s THAT recipe.
Orzo is one of my favorite pasta options because it cooks quickly and is incredibly versatile. It’s great in soups and pasta salads. Great toasted and used like arborio rice for a simple risotto-like pasta.
Summer Orzo Salad
The perfect dish for all your warm-weather plans, this summer orzo salad includes grilled corn and zucchini, cilantro, goat cheese, and a lime-mayo base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 ears of corn, shucked
- 3 zucchini, halved lengthwise
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 12 oz orzo
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped cilantro
- 3 oz goat cheese
Instructions
- Preheat a grill on medium-high heat. Place corn cobs and zucchini halves on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill until charred, about 8 minutes for the zucchini and 10 minutes for the corn. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool. Once cool, cut the kernels off the corncobs and slice the zucchini.
- While the grilled corn and zucchini cool, cook the orzo until al dente in a large pot of salted, boiling water. Rinse under cold water to cool and drain well.
- In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil and the lime juice, shallot, and half of the cilantro. Add the orzo, corn, zucchini and the remaining chopped cilantro and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Crumble the goat cheese all over the top and serve.
Notes
This recipe holds up well in the fridge, so it’s great to make ahead for a party.
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