Bab S Orzo Rice Salad With Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe

Craving that restaurant-quality salad? This vibrant Bab S Orzo & Rice Salad with Zesty Dijon Vinaigrette perfectly recreates a beloved dish! A delightful blend of orzo, fluffy rice, crisp red bell pepper, and sweet red onion, tossed in a creamy Dijon vinaigrette and topped with crunchy toasted pine nuts and fresh basil. This light yet satisfying salad is the perfect complement to grilled meats or fish, or enjoy it as a standalone summer meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Calories 525.5 kcal
Protein 16g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Bab S Orzo Rice Salad With Dijon Vinaigrette 65

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Bab S Orzo Rice Salad With Dijon Vinaigrette

  • Orzo Pasta
  • Wild Rice
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • Pine Nuts
  • Craisins
  • 1/4 red onion, diced
  • Fresh Basil
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Rice Wine Vinegar
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Kosher Salt
  • Fresh Ground Pepper

How to Make Bab S Orzo Rice Salad With Dijon Vinaigrette

  1. **Make the Dijon Vinaigrette:** In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar until combined.
  2. **Emulsify the Dressing:** Slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup olive oil in a steady stream while whisking constantly until the vinaigrette is creamy and emulsified.
  3. **Season:** Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  4. **Prepare the Salad Ingredients:** Cook 1 cup orzo and 1/2 cup rice according to package directions. Dice 1/2 red bell pepper and 1/4 red onion. Toast 1/4 cup pine nuts in a dry skillet until fragrant and golden brown. Chop 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves.
  5. **Combine & Chill:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo and rice, red bell pepper, red onion, toasted pine nuts, basil, and 1/4 cup craisins or currants. Pour the Dijon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat.
  6. **Chill & Serve:** Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

8 g

Sugar

36g

Fat

22g

Carbs

14g