Whole-Grain Orzo & Grilled Vegetable Salad

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This lovely Mediterranean orzo salad is rich with basil, grilled vegetables and tender fresh mozzarella cheese. The combination of vegetables, vinaigrette and fresh basil is a perfect base for the orzo and the cheese.

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Prep Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium eggplant, unpeeled, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-in. planks

  • 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided

  • 8 ounces fresh asparagus, trimmed

  • 1 medium (8 oz.) zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-in. planks

  • 1 medium (4 oz.) red bell pepper, quartered lengthwise

  • Cooking spray

  • ¼ cup refrigerated reduced-fat basil pesto (such as Buitoni)

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 cups cooked whole-wheat orzo

  • 1 (8 ounce) package fresh small mozzarella cheese balls

  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (4 oz.)

  • ½ cup thinly sliced fresh basil

Directions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high (400 degrees F to 450 degrees F). Sprinkle eggplant evenly on both sides with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt; arrange in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with paper towels. Let stand 10 minutes; pat dry.

  2. Lightly coat eggplant, asparagus, zucchini, and bell pepper with cooking spray; arrange on oiled (with cooking spray) grates; grill, uncovered, until softened and lightly charred, 4 to 6 minutes, turning once halfway through cook time. Remove from grill; let cool 5 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile, whisk together pesto, vinegar, oil, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl until combined.

  4. Cut grilled vegetables into 1/2-inch pieces; add to pesto mixture in bowl. Add orzo, mozzarella, and tomatoes; toss to coat. Spoon mixture evenly into 6 bowls; sprinkle with basil, and serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

327 Calories
18g Fat
30g Carbs
14g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 1/3 cups
Calories 327
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 9g 32%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 14g 28%
Total Fat 18g 23%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Sodium 511mg 22%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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