Perfect Lunch: Fig, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Orzo Salad

Read Time:30 Minute, 18 Second

Sweet, tangy orzo salad with figs, tossed with creamy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and balsamic for delicious lunchtime bliss.

This is such a unique pasta salad, and it comes together really fast. The only thing that needs cooking is the orzo. After that, just chop a couple things up, and throw it all together—et voila!

Juicy tomatoes, sweet figs, bold blue cheese, fresh herbs, and crunchy walnuts come together with a sticky drizzle of balsamic glaze, to create a pasta masterpiece.

You can serve this at pretty much whatever temperature you want. If you toss it all together while the pasta is still hot, the blue cheese will melt a bit and get everything all creamy. I also love it just at room temperature. I’m not as much of a fan of it once it’s totally chilled, because cold pasta just isn’t my favorite texture, but let it sit out a bit and it’ll be fantastic.

See Also

chickpea soupchickpea soup
Hearty Chickpea Soup

Perfect Lunch - Fig, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Orzo SaladPerfect Lunch - Fig, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Orzo Salad


How to Make Fig, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Orzo Salad


Cook the Orzo:

    • Boil water in a medium-sized pot. Add a pinch of salt and the orzo pasta.
    • Cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
    • Drain the orzo and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Toss with Olive Oil:

    • While the orzo is still warm, add 2 tablespoons of good-quality olive oil.
    • Toss the orzo in the olive oil to coat evenly. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.

Add the Ingredients:

    • To the bowl with the orzo, add the halved cherry tomatoes, quartered figs, crumbled blue cheese, chopped chives, and thyme leaves.
    • Gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring an even distribution.

Season:

    • Season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Garnish:

    • Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top of the salad for a crunchy texture.
    • Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze.

Recipe Notes:

  • If you prefer your orzo salad chilled, allow the cooked orzo to cool completely before adding the other ingredients.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the blue cheese with a dairy-free cheese of your choice.
  • The balsamic glaze can be store-bought or homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar over low heat until thickened.

Print

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Perfect Lunch - Fig, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Orzo SaladPerfect Lunch - Fig, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Orzo Salad

Perfect Lunch: Fig, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Orzo Salad


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  • Author:
    Rachael Dart
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Sweet, tangy orzo salad with figs, tossed with creamy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and balsamic for delicious lunchtime bliss.


Ingredients


Units


Scale

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp good-quality olive oil
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup quartered black mission figs
  • 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
  • Balsamic glaze (reduced balsamic vinegar)




Instructions

Cook the Orzo:

  • Boil water in a medium-sized pot. Add a pinch of salt and the orzo pasta.
  • Cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  • Drain the orzo and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Toss with Olive Oil:

  • While the orzo is still warm, add 2 tablespoons of good-quality olive oil.
  • Toss the orzo in the olive oil to coat evenly. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.

Add the Ingredients:

  • To the bowl with the orzo, add the halved cherry tomatoes, quartered figs, crumbled blue cheese, chopped chives, and thyme leaves.
  • Gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring an even distribution.

Season:

  • Season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Garnish:

  • Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top of the salad for a crunchy texture.
  • Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.

Notes

  • If you prefer your orzo salad chilled, allow the cooked orzo to cool completely before adding the other ingredients.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the blue cheese with a dairy-free cheese of your choice.
  • The balsamic glaze can be store-bought or homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar over low heat until thickened.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Category: Salad, Side
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian American

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