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Bok Choy and Orzo Salad with Cranberries and Almonds Recipe

Bok Choy and Orzo Salad with Cranberries and Almonds Recipe

4.8 from 14 reviews

A refreshing and nutritious Bok Choy and Orzo Salad featuring sweet dried cranberries and crunchy toasted almonds, tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. This vibrant salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups baby bok choy, chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the orzo: Prepare the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
  3. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled orzo, chopped baby bok choy, dried cranberries, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and toasted sliced almonds.
  4. Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best taste.

Notes

  • To toast almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
  • You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
  • This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
  • If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try using toasted walnuts or pecans instead of almonds.

Nutrition

Keywords: bok choy salad, orzo salad, cranberry salad, almond salad, healthy lunch, vegetarian salad, easy salad recipe