Blue Cheese Orzo Salad

Submitted by PSU_Lioness

"I found this in the updated version of the "Taste of Home" cookbook. It was submitted by Helen Conwell from Fairhope, AL, who says: "The crunch of the walnuts and bacon is a pleasant contrast to the creamy rice-shaped past. The blue cheese and arugula lend a satisfying, savory quality.""

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 5

ingredients

• SALAD

• 3⁄4 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 3 cups fresh arugula, torn
• 5 bacon, strips cooked and crumbled
• 3⁄4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1⁄4 cup green onion, sliced
• 1⁄4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

• WALNUT VINAIGRETTE

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 1 teaspoon creole mustard or 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil

directions

1. Cook orzo according to package directions; drain and place in a large bowl.
2. Add the arugula, bacon, blue cheese, onions and walnuts.
3. In a blender, combine the first six vinaigrette ingredients; cover and process until blended.
4. While procession, gradually add oil in a steady stream.
5. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat.
6. Serve the salad immediately.

Reviews

[Kirsten K.]

I have been making this for years, found the recipe years ago in Taste of Home magazine! It is awesome and I think the arugula just gives it such an amazing fresh taste, my whole family loves it.