Orzo Festival Salad

Glancy Family Cookbook Volume II, chapter 4

Category: Side Dishes

Definitely best made in advance, so flavors can meld. Peas can get a bit slimy though, so hold off on adding them until shortly before cooking.

Ingredients

1 lb orzo, cook, rinse, and drain according to package directions
6-8 oz tiny green peas, defrost in a colander under warm water; do not cook
3/4 to 1 cup sliced almonds
3-4 oz craisins
3-4 oz dried apricots, diced
2-3 green onions, green parts, minced
1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 cup cider vinegar, or seasoned vinegar
2 tbsp ginger juice (purchase sliced ginger in Asian food aisle)
1/2 tsp lemon rind, grated
1 1/2 tsp soy sauce
1 green onion, sliced
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (or use ginger from jar)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 tsp salt
1-2 tbsp sugar

Steps

Place cooked and cooled orzo in large serving bowl.
Add peas, almonds, craisins, apricots, and green onions.
Combine remaining dressing ingredients (everything after the 2-3 green onions) in a separate bowl and whisk or process until well combined.
Pour over orzo mixture and stir well to distribute dressing.