Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines the smoky charm of grilled broccolini, the hearty texture of chicken sausage, and the delicate smoothness of orzo pasta - all in one incredible salad that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Italian-inspired orzo salad is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience you can easily create at home.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups broccolini, grilled
- 2 chicken sausages, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then set aside to cool.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Toss broccolini with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and tender. Remove from grill and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice chicken sausages diagonally into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Grill sausage slices for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop nice grill marks and are heated through.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled orzo, grilled broccolini, and grilled sausage slices.
- Whisk together remaining olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a light dressing. Pour over the orzo mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and fold in gently. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, or chill for 30 minutes if you prefer a cold salad. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously to enhance flavor from the first step • Grill broccolini and sausage just until they develop beautiful char marks for maximum flavor • Let the orzo cool completely to prevent it from becoming mushy • Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant dressing • Feel free to substitute chicken sausage with turkey sausage or vegetarian alternatives • For extra freshness, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley • This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
