- Wild Rice (1/2 cup uncooked, soaked and drained)
- Cherry Tomatoes (8-10, halved)
- Kalamata Olives (8-10 pieces, pitted)
- Red Onion (1/4 of a small onion, finely chopped)
- Fresh Parsley (3 tablespoons, roughly chopped)
- Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons)
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon)
- Garlic Clove (1 small, minced)
*Keywords:*
- Orzo
- Belle Peppers
- Wild Rice Salad
- Bell Peppers
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Kalamata Olives
- Red Onion
- Fresh Parsley
- Lemon Juice
- Olive Oil
- Dried Oregano
- Garlic
Steps
### Bell Pepper Orzo and Wild Rice Salad Recipe
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 medium-sized bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: feta cheese for topping
#### Steps to Make Bell Pepper Orzo and Wild Rice Salad:
##### Step 1: Cook the Orzo and Wild Rice
1. **Preparation**: Rinse the orzo and wild rice under cold water to remove any excess starch.
2. **Cooking the Orzo**:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until al dente (tender but still slightly firm).
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside.
3. **Cooking Wild Rice**:
- Rinse wild rice in a fine mesh strainer.
- Place the wild rice in a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water, a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40-50 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork before setting aside.
##### Step 2: Prepare Vegetables
1. **Bell Peppers**: Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Cut them into small cubes.
2. **Red Onion**: Peel and slice the red onion thinly for better flavor distribution in the salad.
##### Step 3: Combine Ingredients
1. In a large bowl, mix the cooked orzo, wild rice, chopped bell peppers, sliced onions, parsley, and cilantro.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture, followed by lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
##### Step 4: Chill (Optional)
1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it into a sealed container.
2. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
##### Step 5: Serve
1. Once chilled, give the salad another quick toss if needed.
2. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and serve immediately.
#### Tips for Perfect Bell Pepper Orzo and Wild Rice Salad:
- **Freshness**: Use fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor.
- **Cooking Time**: Ensure both orzo and wild rice are cooked properly; this will ensure they hold their shape and texture in the salad.
- **Dressing Balance**: Adjust the dressing according to your preference—more lemon for a brighter taste, more olive oil for richness.
#### SEO Keywords:
- Bell Pepper Orzo Salad
- Wild Rice Orzo Salad
- Healthy Salad Recipe
- Mediterranean Salad
- Vegetable Salad with Orzo
By following these detailed steps and tips, you can create a delicious, nutritious bell pepper orzo and wild rice salad that's perfect for a warm summer meal or as a vibrant side dish. Enjoy your cooking!