Bellepepper’s Orzo and Wild Rice Salad

Description

I enjoyed this salad at a well-known restaurant and when they wouldn’t divulge the recipe, I created my own. Although a bit time consuming, everything can be prepared at least a day ahead, covered and refrigerated. I took this salad to the 2011 AR Buckeye Bash and am posting for those who requested the recipe. This salad may be served cold or at room temperature.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked orzo
  • ½ cup cooked wild rice
  • ½ cup diced orange bell pepper
  • ½ cup diced red bell pepper
  • ½ cup frozen corn, thawed
  • ½ cup dried currants
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh onion
  • 1 pinch ground white pepper
  • 1 pinch paprika
  • 1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
  • salt to taste
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans
  • ¼ cup toasted slivered almonds
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Combine orzo
  2. wild rice
  3. orange bell pepper
  4. red bell pepper
  5. corn
  6. currants
  7. and red onion together in a large bowl.
  8. Blend vegetable oil
  9. sugar
  10. white wine vinegar
  11. cider vinegar
  12. minced onion
  13. white pepper
  14. paprika
  15. garlic powder
  16. and 1 pinch salt together in a blender or food processor until smooth.
  17. Mix pecans
  18. almonds
  19. and parsley into orzo mixture. Drizzle enough dressing to coat salad; toss to evenly coat. Season with salt and black pepper.

Prep Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Servings: 6

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