Orzo Pasta Salad with Kale, Pomegranate & Orange Vinaigrette

Refreshing Orzo Pasta Salad with kale, pomegranate & orange vinaigrette!
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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!

orzo pasta 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.

orzo pasta salad

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.

orzo pasta salad

* 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

orzo pasta salad
Manali
Refreshing Orzo Pasta Salad with kale, pomegranate & orange vinaigrette!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 9 mins
Total Time 19 mins
Course Salad
Cuisine Italian, World
Servings 3
Calories 167 kcal

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

Calories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 365mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 3505IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 0.6mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @cookwithmanali or tag #cookwithmanali!

Orzo Pasta Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

11 thoughts on “Orzo Pasta Salad with Kale, Pomegranate & Orange Vinaigrette

  1. 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!

  2. 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!

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