Autumn Orzo Salad

by Julie on October 21, 2011

in Salad Recipes,Smart Food

Sometimes, I just can’t type. For instance, I just wrote “seal salt” in the ingredients list. Twice. What the heck is “seal salt?”

Other recent gems:

1. A few weeks ago, I was editing a manuscript for someone. The number one reason I always go back and re-read my edits before sending them on? Typos like “insluts.” Calling someone an “inslut” is pretty insulting, don’t you think?

2. Nine times out of ten, the word “enchiladas” comes out as “enchilaladas.” I think it sounds even more festive that way.

3. The other day, I texted Dan, “Took some Excedrin and napped with the puppy. It helped the migraine a little.” Except it came out as “rapped with the puppy.” Because you know, rap songs are the ultimate migraine cure.

4. I texted Heather about “walking five blocks to Wegman’s,” and my phone changed that to “walking five blocks to Germans.” I think I can fairly blame this one on autocorrect.

Don’t worry, though. I’m proofreading this recipe before I hit publish. No seal salt allowed.

Autumn-Orzo-1.jpg

Autumn Orzo Salad

To top this dish, I used the cinnamon pear vinegar I picked up at the Filling Room earlier this year. I liked the subtle sweetness, but plain balsamic or any fruity vinegar will work as well

Serves 4-6 as a main course, 8-12 as a side
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 medium carrots, sliced
1 bunch kale, chopped (approximately 4 packed cups)
2 teaspoons freshly-ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup orzo pasta  
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup goat cheese
Additional pepper and coarse sea salt, for topping

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm one tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the carrots and cook, stirring and flipping occasionally, until the carrots are softened and the edges are browned, about 15 minutes.

Add the kale and the rest of the olive oil, stirring to coat the kale with the oil. Cook for 5 minutes, just long enough to wilt the kale. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.

Meanwhile, cook the orzo according to package directions.

Toss the kale and carrots with the orzo. Dish into bowls and top with vinegar, goat cheese and additional salt and pepper as desired.

For main course portions, I recommend 1-2 teaspoons of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of goat cheese.

For side portions, I recommend 1/2 – 1 teaspoon vinegar and 1-2 teaspoons goat cheese.

{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Kelley @ Get Between the Bookends October 21, 2011 at 9:35 am

OMG! That’s so funny.

When I edit my manuscripts or critique someone else’s it’s amazing the stuff I find :)
Kelley @ Get Between the Bookends recently posted..Book Review: The Shepherd of the Hills

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2 Andrea October 21, 2011 at 10:31 am

I love orzo! I didn’t know it was pasta for the first few years I was eating it. I’m always trying to find new ways to eat kale- this one looks like a wonner! <— I left that there for you. That was supposed to be "winner." I haven't had my coffee yet, ok?!
Andrea recently posted..Punkin muffins, punkin granola… and some caramel apples posing next to a punkin?

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3 Julie @savvyeats October 26, 2011 at 10:07 am

Hahaha. We’re wonners!

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4 Liz October 21, 2011 at 11:34 am

I HATE autocorrect (except when it helps me…) ;)

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5 jennifer and jaclyn @ sketch-free vegan October 21, 2011 at 11:59 am

Love it! this is perfect for fall

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6 galit October 21, 2011 at 1:23 pm

that sounds a gorgeous salad – can’t wait to try it – thanks so much for posting it!
galit recently posted..What’s sweet and savoury and green all over?

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7 Koko @ KokoLikes October 22, 2011 at 1:17 am

YUMMY and gorgeous photo!
Koko @ KokoLikes recently posted..The Parker Palm Springs + Giveaway Winner

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8 Liz (Little Bitty Bakes) October 22, 2011 at 6:33 pm

HA, I laughed out loud at #3. Next time I have a headache I’ll have to find 50 Cent in my iTunes. ;)

The salad looks simple and delicious. I used to be scared of goat cheese and several other “out there” cheeses (can you tell I grew up in CNY?) but I finally tried it last year and love it!

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9 Julie @savvyeats October 26, 2011 at 10:07 am

Hahaha. Clearly, rapping is the obvious headache cure

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10 Emily @ Relishments October 23, 2011 at 8:22 am

Thanks for the laugh! I often find my fingers typing something other than what I want my brain to write (“the” instead of “to” and the like). Brian proofreads a lot of my posts so that those sorts of errors stay off my blog.

This salad looks delicious–I love orzo!
Emily @ Relishments recently posted..Little Things, Better Late Than Never

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11 Kels December 19, 2011 at 11:48 am

made this last night! kale was great with goat cheese…added in chick peas. great find!

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