
Yesterday was the first time in months that I haven’t posted on my usually Monday through Friday schedule. Sure, I could have posted a Wordless Wednesday photo or pointed out a recent article. But my words and ideas just wouldn’t come.
I was spent, and needed a day off. I hope you understand.
Now, let’s get to the food, shall we?
Last week when I was doing our meal plan, I decided it was high time to try cooking orzo. My kids love pasta, and I love trying new things. So yes, orzo is a pasta — a tiny rice-shaped pasta that cooks up in about eight minutes. Easy peasy.
This week, we have eaten it like pasta (which was just ok) and also in this fab salad.
I love the way the crunchy sugar snap peas and sweet carrots taste when combined with the sesame flavor. Serve it chilled … it’s best that way.
What new food have you tried making lately?
Sesame Orzo Salad Recipe

Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo, prepared
- 3 carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup sugar snap peas, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the orzo, carrots, and sugar snap peas. Set aside.
- In a smaller bowl, combine the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and ground ginger. Whisk until well mixed.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and stir. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and stir again.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Rachelle
Friday 12th of August 2011
How did you slice the peas so thinly?
sarah
Friday 12th of August 2011
I have done it two days -- with a really sharp knife and with a food processor. Either way works fine.
Sarah Caron
Sunday 5th of September 2010
Hi Amy, I tried to email this to you but the email bounced :)
Sesame Orzo Salad for 12 serves 12
3 cup orzo, prepared (1 1/2 lbs dry) 9 carrots, shredded 3/4 cup sugar snap peas, sliced thin 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil 3 clove garlic, minced 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger 3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
In a large bowl, stir together the orzo, carrots, and sugar snap peas. Set aside.
In a smaller bowl, combine the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and ground ginger. Whisk until well mixed.
Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and stir. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and stir again.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Amy
Sunday 5th of September 2010
So... to expand this recipe to serve 12 people, it's 1 1/2 lbs of orzo, nine carrots, 1/3 c vinegar and veg oil each, right?
Anne
Tuesday 1st of June 2010
Fantastic recipe. I Feel sounds delicious. Thanks for posting it. This is nice salad recipe. .-= Anne´s last blog ..Dum Aloo Recipe =-.
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday
Monday 17th of May 2010
This recipe looks really fresh and delicious! I love a nice asian inspired salad.