I was compensated by Nielsen-Massey Vanillas for my time in developing this recipe and post. All opinions are my own.
Orzo Pasta Salad with Kale, Oranges, Pomegranate & Orange Vinaigrette – a refreshing and healthy salad!
It’s such a struggle to eat healthy, isn’t it? I will be the 1st one to admit that I struggle with it. I wish I was a planner who would plan meals for the week ahead and make sure that everything is healthy but I am not, in fact I am just the opposite. I do not plan anything, not my travel plans, not my food, absolutely nothing. When I was in school/college, I never even planned my studies. While everyone had a clear chalked out list of what to study, I studied whatever I felt like at that moment. How I always got good grades in school is a mystery!
Anyway back to talking about healthy food. The thing is if you plan well, you can be better prepared to eat healthy. But like I said I don’t and so if I want to eat healthy, I have to make something quick which should also taste good. Now it’s misconception that healthy and tasty cannot co-exist. Sure I love my butter and sugar and everything that you add them to turns out super tasty. But healthy can also be tasty like this Orzo Pasta Salad with Orange Vinaigrette.
While cooking a healthy dish/meal, my focus is always on using fresh, real ingredients. No processed food, just real food which is good for your body. It’s also important to choose pure ingredients with rich, complex flavor profiles just like I did by using Nielsen-Massey Vanillas in my Orzo Pasta Salad recipe. This salad you guys, it’s so good and just about perfect for spring, which is almost knocking on the door. It has kale, pomegranate and not to forget the beautiful oranges. Don’t they look super pretty?
It’s so fresh thanks to the orange vinaigrette. For the vinaigrette other than fresh orange juice, I also used 1/2 teaspoon of Nielsen-Massey Pure Orange Extract. Did you know that Nielsen-Massey uses as few ingredients as possible when producing its pure extracts to create the highest-quality product available? All their products are also all-natural, certified gluten-free, certified Kosher, allergen-free and GMO-Free. Follow Nielsen-Massey on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep updated with the products and for some great recipe inspiration!
Citrus salad dressings are my favorite. You require few simple ingredients to make them and they are guaranteed to make your salad taste good. Other than orange juice and extract, this one also has honey & balsamic vinegar. I hope you guys enjoy this colorful salad, I feel happy just looking at it because it reminds me that spring is right here!
Method
Cook orzo pasta according to instructions on the package. Set aside.
In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, pepper and Nielsen-Massey Pure Orange Extract.
In another large bowl, toss together cooked orzo pasta, chopped kale, sliced oranges, pomegranate. Pour over the prepared dressing and mix to combine.
Serve the salad as such or chill for few hours then serve.
* Use maple syrup in place of honey to keep the salad all vegan.
* The cook time is the time taken to cook the orzo pasta.
Orzo Pasta Salad with Kale, Pomegranate & Orange Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1.5 cups chopped kale
- 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
- 12 orange slices
orange vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or use maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey orange extract
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook orzo pasta according to instructions on the package. Set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, pepper and Neilsen Massey Pure Orange Extract.
- In another large bowl, toss together cooked orzo pasta, chopped kale, sliced oranges, pomegranate. Pour over the prepared dressing and mix to combine.
- Serve the salad as such or chill for few hours then serve.
Nutrition
Orzo Pasta Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
When I plan my meals it’s so much easier to eat healthfully and it feels so good knowing what I’m making for dinner, etc.! I’m a huge fan of orzo and all this beautiful citrus is a feast for the eyes. Gorgeous dish Manali!
Exactly, planning helps..too bad I suck at it..haha..Thank Marcie!
Oh wow, this salad is so vibrant and beautiful Manali!! I absolutely love orzo, so combined with fresh citrus and kale sounds delicious!! Cheers!
Looks gorgeous and I’m sure it tastes delicious! I just made something with orzo today! Pinning to try this salad!
What a gorgeous twist on orzo salad, Manali! I LOVE all those gorgeous oranges and pomegranate seeds on top! So so much pretty in one place!
Thanks Sarah!
The colors in this salad, alone, make me happy! I love orzo…this salad will definitely make it into our dinner rotation! Thank you!
I agree….it is a struggle to always eat healthy. This salad would fill me up and make me feel good! The colors are so pretty!
Love all your recipes will definitely try this!!
So I am a planner with most things…but just not what we’re gonna eat for dinner each night. I totally get it. But I’m thinking I actual need to plan to make this salad…it’s so bright and colorful! I love the flavors you’ve got going on in there, too, Manali. Perfect winter salad!
Such a pretty and colourful salad!