Craving a quick, delicious meal that'll make your taste buds dance and impress your dinner guests? Look no further than this mouthwatering Orzo and Smoked Turkey Salad! Imagine a perfect blend of tender pasta, smoky turkey, and crisp vegetables, all dressed in a creamy, tangy sauce that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're planning a picnic, a light lunch, or a refreshing dinner side, this recipe is about to become your new go-to culinary secret weapon!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup smoked turkey, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Pour the orzo pasta into the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, drain and dice the smoked turkey into small, uniform cubes.
- Finely chop the celery and red onion, ensuring pieces are roughly the same size for even distribution in the salad.
- Once orzo is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, diced smoked turkey, chopped celery, and diced red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the mayonnaise-mustard dressing over the orzo mixture and gently fold to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
Tips
- • For the best flavor, use high-quality smoked turkey from a deli counter or specialty store. • Rinse the orzo with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping. • Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. • For extra crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds. • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. • For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise. • Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving - a little extra salt and pepper can make a big difference!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
