How to Make Easy Salsa Orzo Salad

This easy Salsa Orzo Salad is a cool and refreshing side dish. It is perfect for picnics and summer potlucks, as it doesn't need to be kept on ice. (It may disappear too fast, anyhow!) Your friends will think you picked it up at the local boutique deli. If they're really good friends, you can let them in on the secret of how easy Salsa Orzo Salad really is. Otherwise, let them think you've hired a clever personal chef!

Things You'll Need:

2 (16 oz) jars chunky salsa (your choice of heat)

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

STEP 1

Drain the salsa through a sieve. Discard the liquid or save it for another use.

STEP 2

Bring at least 2 quarts of water to a boil. Lightly salt the water and cook the pasta according to package directions. (That's usually 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.)

STEP 3

Pour the cooked orzo, cooking liquid and all, over the salsa, in the sieve.

STEP 4

Using a fork, toss and fluff the Salsa Orzo Salad in the sieve and allow it to drain completely and cool.

STEP 5

Refrigerate the Salsa Orzo Salad at least 3 hours or overnight, to allow the flavors to marry.

STEP 6

Fluff the salad before serving.

TIPS AND WARNINGS

Choose your favorite salsa and preferred salsa "temperature." The chunkier the salsa, the better, for this recipe. Homemade salsa or fresh pico de gallo would be even better!

If you can't find orzo (don't laugh - I have to go to the "big city" to get mine - and the teardrop shaped stuff in these photos is not what I think of as orzo), any small pasta will work. Just be careful not to overcook it or it will look more like salsa oatmeal!

Comments (7)

Peggy H said:

	... I've never heard of Salsa Orzo Salad, but it sounds good! Eating cool foods in hot weather is smart.
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July 17, 2011
Votes: +1

jswana said:

	... This dish is new to me as well, but certainly sounds deliciously. Anything salsa appeals to me!
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July 19, 2011
Votes: +0

carmen357 said:

	... Great recipe! Thanks for sharing!
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July 24, 2011
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Susan Golis said:

	... Bossypants your recipe sounds delicious. A good side dish for a hot summer day. Cold is good. I shared your article on twitter and facebook.
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July 26, 2011
Votes: +0

Margie Lynn said:

	... This sounds so good, thanks for sharing.zqlbn
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July 31, 2011
Votes: +0

MonikaWeise said:

	... This sounds delicious and I always love easy recipes.
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August 22, 2011
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Bethany1202 said:

	... Sounds delicious and easy customize. : ) 5*
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December 30, 2012
Votes: +0