Cranberry-Orange Orzo Salad
This colorful Thanksgiving pasta salad makes a tasty and healthy side dish for your holiday table. Sweet-and-tangy cranberry dressing perfectly complements the orange, creating a delicious compliment to your turkey or an alternative meal option for vegetarians.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. orzo
- 1 navel orange about 7 oz.
- 2 tbsp. cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- Pinch chili flakes
- 4 cups/4 oz. baby arugula
- 1/4 cup/1 oz. chopped toasted walnuts
- 1/4 cup/1 oz. dried cranberries
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, trim top and bottom ends of orange. Stand fruit on one of the cut ends; remove outer peel, following natural curve of fruit to remove bitter white pith. Working over a bowl to catch juices, cut between membranes to release segments; set aside.
- Whisk together cranberry sauce, oil, 2 tbsp orange juice (from segments), vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper and chili flakes; toss with pasta.
- Stir in arugula, orange segments, walnuts and dried cranberries.
Notes
Tips: If you don’t have a navel orange, use 2 clementine or mandarin oranges.[br] Substitute pecans, pumpkin seeds, or almonds for walnuts.