BLT Orzo Salad
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The combination of bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes with orzo pasta creates the perfect color contrast, making this salad a visual treat that’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to.
BLT Orzo Pasta Salad
Are you tired of the same old salad options? Want to try something new and exciting?
The BLT Orzo Salad is a vibrant and mouthwatering dish that is like a classic BLT sandwich but with a twist.
Using orzo pasta instead of bread adds a delightful carb component that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Perfect for picnics and tailgating, this salad is not your average side dish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- BLT Orzo Pasta Salad is an appealing dish with the familiar flavors of a classic BLT sandwich, combined with orzo pasta and dressed in a creamy or tangy dressing.
- This flavorful salad is enhanced by a variety of textures, from chewy bacon to soft pasta.
- It can be customized easily with different extras, making it ideal for any occasion and any palate.
- The appeal lies in its satisfying blend of flavors along with its versatility.
What is Orzo Pasta
First things first, let’s talk about the star ingredient: Orzo pasta.
Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that is perfect for salads. Instead of using a heavy bread component, orzo adds a lighter and more refreshing element to this classic dish.
And don’t worry, the orzo is perfectly cooked to ensure that it doesn’t become mushy but stays al dente.
The addition of orzo pasta makes this salad an excellent option for people who want a low-fat and low-carb dish, making this salad perfect for people who are looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Orzo Pasta Ingredients
Now, let’s talk about the other delicious ingredients in this salad. Bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes, also known as a BLT, are already a delicious combination.
But when you add orzo pasta into the mix, you have a complete meal in one dish.
Crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor, while the lettuce brings a refreshing and crunchy texture.
And who can forget about juicy tomatoes that give off a burst of flavor with every bite?
The combination of these core ingredients with orzo pasta creates the perfect color contrast, making this salad a visual treat that’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to.
- Orzo, cooked per package
- Turkey bacon, cooked and roughly chopped
- Grape tomatoes, halved
- Arugula, roughly chopped
- Shaved parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese (I used parmesan)
- Balsamic vinaigrette
For exact measurements, please see the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Bacon Orzo Pasta Salad
In a large bowl, add in all the ingredients, and gently fold it together.
Add in additional balsamic vinaigrette, if desired.
Variations
You can personalize this salad by adding different ingredients.
Some common variations include adding diced avocados, grilled chicken, shredded cheese, or swapping out the mayo-based dressing for a vinaigrette.
Serving Suggestions
What really makes this salad stand out is that it’s incredibly convenient for picnics and tailgating.
The last thing you want to do at a picnic or tailgate is to fuss over a complicated recipe.
Serve With…
- Sweet and Spicy Hawaiian Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- BBQ Picnic Chicken Recipe
- Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Best Air Fryer Flank Steak Recipe
Can I Make Ahead of Time
With the BLT Orzo Salad, you can easily prepare it in advance and chill it until you’re ready to serve.
No fuss, no mess, just deliciousness.
And since it’s a complete meal in one dish, you don’t have to worry about bringing along extra sides.
Printable Recipe Card and Nutritional Values
BLT Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups of orzo cooked per package
- 4 slices of turkey bacon cooked and roughly chopped
- 1 cup of grape tomatoes halved
- 1 ½ cup of arugula roughly chopped
- 3-4 tablespoons of shaved parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese I used parmesan
- 2-3 tablespoons of balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add in all the ingredients, and gently fold it together.
- Add in additional balsamic vinaigrette, if desired.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to elevate your salad game, the BLT Orzo Salad is the perfect choice.
It’s light, refreshing, and packed with delicious flavor.
With its fantastic combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, this salad is a visual and taste sensation that’s sure to leave you feeling satisfied.
But that’s not all, it’s also incredibly simple to make and perfect for any occasion.
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