This Whole-Wheat Orzo Salad with Broccoli-Pine Nut Pesto is a healthy and flavorful dish that combines the nutty taste of whole-wheat orzo with a vibrant broccoli-pine nut pesto. Packed with fresh ingredients like lemon zest, garlic, and avocado, this salad is light yet satisfying, making it the perfect meal for lunch or dinner. The addition of creme fraiche provides a creamy texture, while Parmesan and toasted pine nuts enhance the flavor, creating a delightful combination.
Whole-Wheat Orzo Salad with Broccoli-Pine Nut Pesto
Course: Salads, MainCuisine: Mediterranean-inspired4
servings15
minutes10
minutes400
kcalIngredients
Fine-grained sea salt
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat orzo
5 cups broccoli florets and thinly sliced stems
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup creme fraiche
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
Directions
- Cook the Orzo:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole-wheat orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Blanch the Broccoli:
- In the same pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets and stems for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry.
- Make the Broccoli-Pine Nut Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine the blanched broccoli, garlic cloves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth pesto.
- Combine the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the broccoli-pine nut pesto, stirring to coat the orzo evenly. Gently fold in the creme fraiche for a creamy finish.
- Serve:
- Top the orzo salad with freshly sliced avocado. Serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes for a cool, refreshing salad.
This Whole-Wheat Orzo Salad with Broccoli-Pine Nut Pesto is a perfect blend of creamy, nutty, and fresh flavors. The broccoli-pine nut pesto adds a healthy and vibrant twist, while the creamy avocado and light orzo make it a well-rounded meal. Whether you’re looking for a delicious lunch or a side dish for dinner, this salad is sure to become a new favorite!
