Sunday, April 17, 2011

Orzo Pesto Salad

So...  I've been in a funk lately, sorry about the lack of posting here!  Luckily I already had some dog therapy scheduled for this weekend  :)

Sampson! (cell phone pic)

A 5mi hike with the boys, cake baking (details to come), spectating, another good run, and I'm feeling more like myself.  I bit the bullet and signed up for a few tri's this season on Friday, so that helped too!  I guess that means I'm officially in training?  ;)


When I was making some lunches for last week, I recalled reading a post about an Orzo & Broccoli Pesto Salad from Heidi's new book.  I hadn't written down the recipe, but I had picked up some broccoli.  Here's what I came up with...


Orzo Pasta Salad
inspired by Heidi Swanson
serves 2

2c broccoli, cut into small florets  (this was one head for me)
1/2c whole wheat orzo, cooked
3-4T pesto (jarred or your own, I happened to have some from Italy!)
2T greek yogurt
chickpeas or smoked salmon
lemon zest (I didn't have any on hand, but this would be a great addition)

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil.  In the meantime, fill a large bowl with ice water and set aside.  Add broccoli to the boiling water, cook a couple of minutes.  Remove the broccoli and immediately plunge into the ice water (this will stop the cooking and retain the bright green color).

Add a healthy shake of salt and the orzo, cook to al dente.  Drain broccoli and cooked orzo, then transfer to a large bowl (use the same one from the ice water, emptied & dried).  Add pesto, greek yogurt, lemon zest (if using) salt and pepper.  Taste and adjust seasonings.

If desired, add 1/3c chickpeas or 1oz smoked salmon for a little extra protein.  I tried both, and I preferred the chickpeas ;)

Battle Orzo Pesto Salad


Who will be watching the Boston Marathon tomorrow?  I'll be volunteering at the 10k elite water stop after riding some of the course in the morning.  Any runners out there???  Let me know what you're wearing and I'll be sure to keep my eyes out for you :)

23 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Orzo and pesto sounds like the perfect spring meal.

Fun and Fearless in Beantown said...

I'm glad you're getting out of your funk too. I'm sorry I didn't see you today but so glad you came out to watch the 5K!

Delicious Dishings said...

This sounds tasty! I made a dish with Israeli couscous and cauliflower last week... almost the same thought process. :) I'm going to try to watch the marathon after the game.

The Purple Carrot said...

This looks delicious!! :)

Nutmeg Nanny said...

This looks delicious! Pesto is perfect for Spring...yum!

Meghan/Mom said...

Sorry to hear about your funk! Hopefully our boys were on their best behavior and helped to cheer you up. Sounds like some springtime activities outdoors and some good food was exactly what the doctor ordered!!!

Natalie said...

hope the water station was fun this morning!! :)

Emily said...

I hope you had fun at the Boston marathon! I bet that was incredible to watch.

This salad looks great! I love, love orzo.

Mary Ellen said...

This is right up my alley. How are you finding the new Heidi cookbook? I haven't read up about it (yet) but I know it's out and I know a lot of people have bought it.

JR/Mike said...

Looks delicious and sounds very healthy. And pesto from Cinque Terra? Awesome! I loved that place when I visited!

Caratunk Girl said...

I love Heidi Swanson. Seriously she is the best!! That Orzo looks awesome!

Kristen said...

funks are tough! we all have them. cute pic of your pup and this dish looks yummy!

Joanne said...

I was SO happy that I saw you yesterday! definitely helped to push me through!

Being in a funk sucks. I speak from experience. So I'm glad you're pushing through! This pesto salad sounds delicious.

Erica said...

Yayy for training :) Can't wait to hear more about it. The salad looks great. Love the addition of greek yogurt. And pesto dishes always seem to be winners. Hope you're having a good week

Reeni said...

Good to hear you're coming out of your funk! This bright and delicious pesto salad surely must of helped!

Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food said...

mmm that does look yummy! :) I love broccoli so I am definitely putting this on my recipes to try list!

Dog therapy is the best kind of therapy there is :)

Bridget said...

I love Heidi's recipes! I need her new book. Pesto and greek yogurt sound awesome together!

Dog therapy is the best kind :)

Katie (The Aspiring RD) said...

I wish when I got "inspired" it turned out looking so delish!!

Elina (Healthy and Sane) said...

I haven't had orzo in so long. This looks awesome. I think I'd add some sundried tomatoes too. And yes, chickpeas all the way :)
Still going through that batch of salmon from Alaska? ;)

Lisa (bakebikeblog) said...

this looks so light and wonderful :)

Unknown said...

so awesome that you got to volunteer! Thats amazing. And I think dog therapy cures any funk.
LC

Maris (In Good Taste) said...

That salad and that beautiful pup will bring you out of your funk

Kerstin said...

Mmmm, this is my kind of meal - wish I had it for lunch today :) I'm glad you're feeling better and back to running!!

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