BLT Orzo Salad
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
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Disney’s Frozen Blizzard Cookie recipe is inspired by the popular animated movie Frozen, featuring a delightful blend of flavors and a wintry theme.
The recipe typically includes ingredients like sugar cookie mix, blue food coloring, white chocolate chips, and blue sprinkles.
The cookies are often shaped like snowflakes or decorated to resemble the icy landscape of the film.
These cookies have gained popularity for several reasons:
- Theme and Appeal: The Frozen theme resonates with both kids and adults who love the movie. The cookies, with their frosty appearance and association with the beloved characters, tap into the magic and allure of the Frozen world.
- Visual Appeal: The cookies are visually stunning, often adorned with blue hues, white chocolate, and sparkly sprinkles resembling snowflakes. The vibrant colors and decorative elements make them visually appealing, perfect for parties, gatherings, or themed events.
- Nostalgia and Connection: Disney movies often evoke nostalgia and emotional connections. These cookies allow fans to bring a piece of the movie into their homes, creating a connection to the beloved characters and storyline.
- Fun to Make: Baking these cookies can be a fun activity, especially for families or fans of the movie. The process of mixing, shaping, and decorating the cookies can be an enjoyable experience, especially when shared with others.
- Versatility: The basic recipe can be customized to suit different preferences. Whether it’s altering the shapes, experimenting with different toppings, or adding personal touches, the versatility of the recipe allows for creativity in the kitchen.
Overall, the combination of a beloved movie theme, visually appealing aesthetics, and the joy of baking and sharing these cookies contributes to their popularity and why people love making and enjoying them.
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
The combination of bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes with orzo pasta creates the perfect color contrast, making this BLT Orzo Salad a visual treat that’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to.
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 Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 314Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 32mgSodium 540mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 15g
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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