This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase from one of the links below, I'll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
My sons and I love to visit the local farmer’s market to pick out the latest seasonal, local fruits and vegetables! If you want your children to love fresh produce, let them pick it out themselves. I swear it works for me! This dish was inspired by our latest trip, when we picked up tons of colorful vegetables, cilantro, and of course, mangoes! This Orzo and Mango Salad is so light and refreshing, making it perfect for a hot summer day!
I paired the veggies and fruit with orzo pasta, because it just seemed so right. Turns out, I DID make the right choice; the pairing is divine! I just adore the texture of orzo. Combined with a dressing that is a little tart, but mostly sweet, I promise this is a salad everyone in the family will love!
(Note: I wrote this recipe/article about two years prior to republishing it. So for my Paleo friends, the salad is great without the orzo, in fact, super delicious on fish or chicken!)
Orzo and Mango Salad
Yields: 8 hearty servings
Weight Watchers Points+ Plus: 4 Old WW Points: 3
Calories: 170 Fat: 2.5 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 221 mg Carbohydrates: 35 g Fiber: 3 g Protein: 4 g
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1/4 cup lime juice, or juice of 2 limes
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 tsp salt
1 large mango, ripe, peeled, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 medium sweet red pepper, seeded and diced
1 medium yellow pepper, seeded and diced
3 oz. grape tomatoes (about 12), sliced in half, length-wise
1 small bunch scallions, mostly white parts, and some green; diced.
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
Directions:
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to the directions on the box (typically 9 minutes).
Meanwhile, create the salad dressing by mixing in a bowl the lime juice, honey, olive oil, and salt. Set aside.
Drain orzo pasta, then allow to cool. If you don’t have time to let cool, run under cold water until cool.
Pour orzo pasta into a large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over orzo and stir to coat. Add mango, bell peppers, scallions, and cilantro. Toss to combine.
“…with sexy results!” – Marge Simpson