Orzo and Wild Rice Salad

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-1997
Orzo and Wild Rice Salad
6
Sat, 06-21-2008 - 9:20pm

I fixed this last week...and I'm already wanting to have it again!!! I have forgotten where I got this recipe. I'm sure I found it somewhere on the net, but it is a copycat of the orzo and wild rice salad at J. Alexander's restaurant. And this really tastes like their's!!!

Orzo and Wild Rice Salad (J. Alexander's)
Serves 4

2 cups cooked orzo (use whole wheat..I found whole wheat orzo at WholeFoods)
1 cup cooked wild rice (I made a box of wild rice without the seasoning packet)
1/4 cup diced red onions
1/4 cup currants (this is a phase 3 food, so OMIT or use as a personal choice)
1/8 cup fresh corn niblets (also a phase 3 food, so OMIT or use as a personal choice)
1/4 cup toasted almonds
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
3 tablespoons diced red peppers
3 tablespoons diced yellow peppers
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup dressing (recipe follows)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon granulated garlic (I used garlic salt)
1/8 cup cut fresh basil

Dressing: (Makes 1 cup)
4 1/2 tablespoons balsamic white vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 tablespoon French's dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon sugar (sub Splenda)
3/8 cup (1/4 cup plus 1/8 cup) canola oil
3/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon fresh basil
Salt and pepper to taste

For dressing: Dissolve vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and sugar with a hand whip (three minute stirring). Fold in the mustard, basil, salt and pepper. Slowly add oils, while whisking vigorously. Refrigerate. Place all other ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Serve ice cold, 38-40F. Shelf life mixed is two hours.

When I made this, I did include the currants and the corn as a personal choice. But I cut the quantities in half. Instead of fresh corn, I just used about 2 tablespoons out of a can of corn. I would imagine this salad would be every bit as good without the currants and corn.

Rebekah








Rebekah

href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wIT68bK/">





iVillage Member
Registered: 11-05-2006
Sun, 06-22-2008 - 7:46am

Thanks Rebekah!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2007
Sun, 06-22-2008 - 11:36am

This looks good Rebekah! I'm just now learning to like grain based salads, and I've been meaning to make my own for a while now. I definitely want to try this one!


Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-1997
Sun, 06-22-2008 - 11:46am

Hey Sue,

This is what I bought. I've used the regular balsamic in this brand also. I would assume that the regular would work in this recipe. Although I'm not sure what the difference is between them, except for color.

http://www.vigo-alessi.com/products/groupView2.php?grp1=10&grp2=11

Hope you like it...let me know!!!

Rebekah








Rebekah

href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wIT68bK/">





iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-1997
Sun, 06-22-2008 - 11:51am

I hope you do try this one, Katy!!! It's very different from anything else I've ever made. All the while I was making it, I was thinking, I hope this is worth the trouble. But when I got it all together and tasted it, I knew it was worth all that chopping!!!

Rebekah








Rebekah

href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wIT68bK/">





iVillage Member
Registered: 11-05-2006
Sun, 06-22-2008 - 4:26pm

WOW -- never knew there were so many vinegar options.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-1997
Sun, 06-22-2008 - 6:44pm

This is the first recipe that I've seen that uses the white balsamic vinegar. When I opened it, I smelled it and it does smell a little different from the dark.

I've started making some vinegar based salad dressings lately. I made a lime vinaigrette the other day that was really good. I'm going to do more experimenting with making my own. Like you, I tend toward the creamy dressings, but I need to get away from those and try new things!!!

Rebekah








Rebekah

href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wIT68bK/">