J Alexanders Orzo Wild Rice Salad Recipes

Steps:

• Bring the wild rice and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender but not mushy, 20 to 45 minutes depending on the variety of wild rice. Drain off any excess liquid, fluff the rice with a fork, and cook uncovered 5 minutes more. Once finished, spread into a shallow dish, and refrigerate until cold.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta, and cook until al dente, 7 to 8 minute. Drain, rinse with cold water, and chill.
• Place the chilled rice and orzo into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the red onion, currants, corn, yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Season with 2 tablespoons basil, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and 1 1/2 teaspoons basil. Slowly whisk in the canola and olive oils until emulsified. Stir the dressing into the pasta, and refrigerate 2 hours before serving.

Steps:

• 1. mix all together, and add poppyseed dressing to the correct consistency.
• 2. For your own Champagne Vinegar Dressing instead of Poppyseed: 1 cup Champagne vinaigrette (See recipe) Champagne Vinaigrette: 1/4 cup champagne vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

• For dressing: Dissolve vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and sugar with a hand whip (three minute stirring).
• Fold in the mustard, basil, salt and pepper. Slowly add oils, while whisking vigorously. Refrigerate.
• Use only 1/2 cup of dressing for salad.
• Place all other ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well.
• Serve ice cold, 38-40°F Shelf life mixed is two hours.

Steps:

• Cook orzo and wild rice per package directions. For dressing combine all but oil, whisk, then stirring vigorously add oil. Toss all together and refrigerate. Keeps well for several days.