Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will revolutionize your salad game! This Cassava Orzo Salad is not just a recipe; it's a vibrant symphony of textures and flavors that will transport your taste buds to a gourmet paradise. Imagine a dish so fresh and exciting that it turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience, packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with summer-inspired goodness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cassava orzo
- Asparagus
- Peas
- Radishes
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Prepare an ice bath in a separate large bowl for cooling vegetables.
- Trim the tough ends of asparagus and cut into 1-inch diagonal pieces. Wash and thinly slice radishes into delicate rounds.
- Add cassava orzo to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.
- In the same boiling water, blanch asparagus for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately transfer to ice bath to preserve color and texture.
- Add fresh or frozen peas to boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes. Drain and add to ice bath with asparagus.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- Drain cooled vegetables thoroughly. Add cooked cassava orzo, blanched asparagus, peas, and sliced radishes to the dressing.
- Gently toss all ingredients until well combined, ensuring even coating with dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Tips
- Always use the ice bath technique when blanching vegetables to preserve their bright color and crisp texture. This method stops the cooking process instantly and maintains the vegetables' vibrant appearance.
- For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and high-quality extra virgin olive oil in your dressing.
- If cassava orzo is hard to find, you can substitute with traditional orzo or gluten-free alternatives.
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together and develop a more complex taste profile.
- For added protein, consider mixing in some grilled chicken, feta cheese, or toasted pine nuts to make the salad more substantial.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
