Description
This fresh and flavorful Oil Free Farmers Market Italian Orzo Salad is brimming with nourishing garden veggies and aromatic Italian herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Salad Ingredients:
- 4 cups zucchini, unpeeled, ½-inch diced *
- 1 red bell pepper, ½-inch diced
- 30 grape/cherry tomatoes *
- 1 medium red onion, ½ -inch dice
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ to 1 teaspoon sea salt *
Dressing Ingredients:
- ¼ cup + 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons tahini
- 1 Tablespoon white miso *
- 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 to 3 teaspoons pure maple syrup (+/-) *
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ to 1 teaspoon sea salt (+/-) *
Other Ingredients:
- 16 oz. orzo pasta
Optional Ingredients:
- ½ to 2/3 cup toasted pine nuts
- Freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Set oven to high broil.Move the rack closest to the broiler
- In a bowl, toss the chopped zucchini, chopped red bell peppers, whole grape tomatoes, and chopped red onion with 1 Tablespoon of water. Mix well to slightly dampen the veggies, then add the garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper, and mix well. Then dump the veggies onto a large baking sheet, spread out evenly. Place under the broiler for approx. 5 to 7 minutes or until the veggies have reached a tender-crisp stage. When done, remove from the oven and allow to cool. See notes about the tomatoes.
- In the meantime, cook the orzo pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse with cold water, drain well for several minutes. Set aside until ready to make the salad.
- In the meantime, place all the Dressing Ingredients into a bowl, mix well until smooth and emulsified.
- Add the cooked and cooled orzo pasta into the bowl, along with the cooled (or slightly warm) roasted veggies, add the dressing, stir until everything is well coated.
- Serve as a delicious side salad or lunch.
Notes
*Please reference the blog post for Tips for Success, Pantry Items Used, Storage and Freezing, and Kitchen Products Used.
*Sea Salt: Please adjust the sea salt based upon your family’s sea salt preferences and/or based upon dietary needs.
*Servings: Makes 8 cups