Summer Orzo Salad

Obag's Note:

The basis for this recipe is a recipe in the July 2005 issue of Sunset Magazine. I've modified the dressing to use bottled dressing to make it even simpler. Great for picnics and potlucks. ***Great presentation when layered unmixed in a large glass bowl.*** Can be made vegetarian depending on dressing.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 lb fresh green beans, microwavable (snapped into 2 inch lengths)
• 8 ounces orzo pasta, dried
• 3 ears fresh corn, white preferred
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, rinsed and cut in half
• 1 1/2 cups Bernsteins light fantastic cheese fantastico salad dressing
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Cook Orzo as directed; rinse with cool water and set aside.
2. Prepare beans as directed for microwave (3.5 to 4.5 mins); rinse with cold ice water to retain color and stop cooking, until beans are cold then drain well.
3. Husk corn, rinse, and holding cobs upright, cut kernals off into deep bowl (cut kernals close to cob).
4. In large wide bowl, mix Orzo with 1/2 cup of dressing.
5. Spread pasta level and begin layering corn, green beans, and tomatoes.
6. Just prior to serving, pour 3/4 of dressing over salad and mix gently if desired. (Add more dressing, salt/pepper to taste).

Reviews

[~Leslie~]

Obag, this is a terrific salad, and so easy to put together. I tried this while in the US for Holidays so was able to try the Bernsteins light fantastic cheese fantastico salad dressing. which is not available here in Canada. To all of those who cannot get this type of Salad dressing, I would compare it to a parmesan Italian dressing, perhaps Newmans Own. At any rate, the flavours blended together so well, and made a light fresh salad that we all enjoyed. Thanks for posting a new way to enjoy orzo! :)

[Vicki in AZ]

Perfect for that summer barbeque.

[Belgophile]

What a great idea... so simple, and so delicious. I agree with Chef-V: the raw white corn totally makes this. I've made this salad twice for large parties to much acclaim and everyone is surprised and delighted to discover the "secret" ingredient. I didn't have the recommended dressing, and substituted a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Wonderful (and good-looking) summer salad. Thank you!