Monday, March 7, 2011

Salmon Orzo Salad

We have a few favorite dishes that we have made repeatedly. Each one of them gets adjusted each time to account for what we have on hand and the season. Salmon Orzo Salad is one of these dishes. Here is a version I made last summer. This time around we were cleaning out the freezer and used salmon, peas, and dried cranberries we had on hand. It's a nice combination of the salmon, the creamy, tangy goat cheese, the sweetness of the dried cranberries and the vinegar and mustard dressing. I think the traditional version with asparagus and scallions is even better, and once spring arrives we will have to make it again. The leftovers are easy to pack and great to take for lunch.



Salmon Orzo Salad
serves 6

8 oz orzo, uncooked
1 lb salmon
8 oz peas
4 oz goat cheese crumbles
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 T olive oil
1 T spicy brown mustard
2 T apple cider vinegar
1/4 C cranberries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package directions. Place the salmon fillets in an oven proof pan and cook for 20 minutes (or until the fish flakes easily with a fork). When the pasta is almost done, add the peas and drain it all together. Rinse with cold water to prevent over cooking and sticking. Add the flaked salmon, orzo, peas, goat cheese and garlic to a mixing bowl. Mix the olive oil, mustard and cider vinegar in a cup and drizzle over the mixture. Sprinle the cranberries over the top. Stir to combine. Cover and place in the fridge to let the flavors combine.

This post is part of Monday Mania at the Healthy Home Economist, Mouthwatering Mondays, and Hearth and Soul Blog Hop, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Delectable Tuesday Blog Hop, Tasty Tuesday, Dr. Laura's Tasty Tuesday, Tuesdays at the Table, Tuesday Night Supper Club, and Works-for-Me-Wednesday.

6 comments:

Jenn @leftoverqueen said...

Orzo is one pasta I really miss after becoming gluten-free. This salad looks great!

Alida Sharp said...

I have never tried Orzo... sounds tasty!

Jess said...

I never would have thought about putting cranberries with salmon, but this pasta sounds delicious. I do have some salmon in the freezer and cranberries in the pantry...:)

Roxana | a trEATs affair said...

orzo is my favorite pasta when it comes to salad. love the addition of goat cheese. thanks for sharing

Hunger and Thirst said...

I'm well into clean out the freezer and pantry mode, too. My neighbors are actually very happy with my give-aways. Love the cranberries and mustard in your recipe. Thanks for sharing with the Hearth and Soul hop.

Unknown said...

hearty and healthy...my kind of meal. it is so colorful and filled with goodies too. i am getting very hungry over here! thank you for sharing with tuesday night supper club.

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