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Cowboy Orzo Salad Recipe

Cowboy Orzo Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 25 reviews

This refreshing Cowboy Orzo Salad combines tender orzo pasta with vibrant black beans, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lime-cumin dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or side dish at your next BBQ, this easy-to-make salad bursts with southwestern flavors and colorful textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: Prepare the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool the pasta.
  2. Mix Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion to create the vegetable base of the salad.
  3. Add Orzo: Add the cooled orzo pasta to the vegetable mixture and gently stir to evenly distribute all ingredients without mashing any of the components.
  4. Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, and ground cumin. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
  5. Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the orzo and vegetable mixture, tossing carefully to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful dressing.
  6. Fold in Avocado and Feta: Gently fold in the diced avocado and crumbled feta cheese to add creaminess and a savory touch without breaking up the avocado pieces.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro on top as a garnish just before serving for a fresh herbal note and vibrant color.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh corn kernels when in season; frozen corn works well as a substitute.
  • Adjust the seasoning of lime juice, salt, and pepper according to your taste preference.
  • This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated; add avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
  • To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy orzo salad, orzo pasta salad, southwestern salad, vegetarian salad, black bean salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/cowboy-orzo-salad-recipe/