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orzo salad with goat cheese recipe

Orzo Salad with Goat Cheese

This orzo salad with goat cheese recipe is simple and delicious. It's great as a lunch, dinner or side dish and I always love having leftovers. You can make it ahead and add in any extra ingredients that you like!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 side dish servings
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package Orzo (1 lb. bag or 500 g - in France look for DeCecco Puntalette n°73)
  • 6 cups Chicken broth (can use vegetable) (1.5 liters)
  • 7 oz. Fresh goat cheese (200 g)
  • 1 cup Fresh basil, chopped (1 bundle)
  • 2 cups Scallions, chopped (1 bundle)
  • 2 cups Tomatoes, chopped (350 g)
  • 1/2 cup Pine nuts, roasted (100 g)
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Red wine vinegar (60 ml)
  • 1/4 cup Lemon juice, fresh-squeezed (about 60 ml or the juice from two lemons)
  • 2 tsp Honey (10 ml)
  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (120 ml)
  • 1/4 - 1/2 tsp Salt to taste
  • 1/4 - 1/2 tsp Pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the orzo in the broth until al dente according to package instructions. Stir the orzo while it's cooking so it doesn't stick to the pan. Drain and set aside.
  2. Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl.
  3. Chop the tomatoes, scallions, and fresh basil. Cut goat cheese into small squares for mixing.
  4. Roast the pine nuts in a small pan over medium to medium-low heat. You don't need to use oil, just stir them in the pan to prevent burning. Set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the orzo with the tomatoes, basil, scallions and goat cheese.
  6. Stir in the dressing.
  7. Before serving, mix in the pine nuts.
  8. Serve at room temperature. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Could be eaten warm, room temperature, or cold
  • Leftovers will keep for a few days in the refrigerator