Description
Cilantro lime confetti orzo brings Mediterranean sunshine to your plate with a zesty blend of colors and flavors. Fresh herbs, tangy citrus, and playful pasta dance together, creating a light and spirited dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) orzo pasta
- ½ cup (80 grams) red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ cup (80 grams) yellow bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ cup (80 grams) corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ¼ cup (40 grams) red onion, finely chopped
Herbs and Zest:
- ⅓ cup (20 grams) fresh cilantro, chopped
- Zest of 1 lime
Dressing and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the orzo pasta following the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring it reaches an al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and rinse with chilled water to halt the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- Dice the vibrant red and yellow bell peppers into uniform, bite-sized cubes, creating a colorful confetti-like appearance across the dish.
- Slice the red onion into delicate, thin slivers that will distribute evenly throughout the pasta salad.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, gently combine the cooled orzo with the chopped bell peppers, sweet corn kernels, red onion fragments, and freshly chopped cilantro.
- Create a zesty dressing by whisking together tangy lime juice, fragrant lime zest, smooth olive oil, and a precise blend of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Drizzle the citrusy dressing over the orzo mixture, using a gentle folding technique to ensure every grain is thoroughly coated with the vibrant flavors.
- Taste the salad and make nuanced seasoning adjustments, adding extra salt, pepper, or lime juice to elevate the overall taste profile.
- Refrigerate the orzo confetti salad for a minimum of 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify before serving.
Notes
- Rinse orzo thoroughly to prevent sticking and achieve a light, fluffy texture that separates easily.
- Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure consistent flavor and texture throughout the dish, creating a beautiful confetti-like appearance.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for a bright, vibrant citrus punch that elevates the entire salad’s flavor profile.
- Customize the recipe by adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans to transform this side dish into a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg