Blistered Grape & Brie Orzo Salad
Introduction
Blistered Grape & Brie Orzo Salad is a delightful dish that combines sweet, juicy grapes with creamy Brie cheese, all mixed with al dente orzo pasta. This salad is perfect as a side or a light main meal, bringing a burst of flavors and colors to your table.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great option when you want something quick, fresh, and easy to prepare. The contrast of warm blistered grapes and cool orzo, paired with rich Brie, creates a tasty experience. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion.
How to Make Blistered Grape & Brie Orzo Salad
To make this delicious salad, start by cooking the orzo pasta. While it cools, you can prepare the blistered grapes in a skillet. Then, mix everything together and season to your liking. It’s that easy!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup red seedless grapes
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup Brie cheese, diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh arugula or baby spinach, optional for serving
Directions:
- Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and the grapes.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until grapes blister and soften. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine orzo, blistered grapes, diced Brie, thyme, and toasted walnuts.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
- Toss gently and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve slightly warm or at room temperature over a bed of arugula or baby spinach if desired.
How to Serve Blistered Grape & Brie Orzo Salad
You can serve this salad warm or at room temperature. It looks beautiful on a platter or individual bowls topped with fresh greens. The creamy Brie and sweet grapes are definitely crowd-pleasers!
How to Store Blistered Grape & Brie Orzo Salad
If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for about 2-3 days. Just be aware that the Brie may soften further, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Tips to Make Blistered Grape & Brie Orzo Salad
- Be sure to let the orzo cool down before mixing to prevent the Brie from melting too much.
- Feel free to use different nuts or cheeses if you want to switch up the taste.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for some extra freshness.
Variation
You can easily add other ingredients like grilled chicken for protein, or swap out grapes for other fruits like figs or peaches for different flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can use any small pasta, such as couscous or ditalini.
2. Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for a few days, making it a great meal prep option.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare all the ingredients in advance and combine them just before serving for the best texture.
