Orzo is pasta pretending to be rice, and nobody is upset about it. It’s a perfect shape for "grain" salads that won’t glop or go stiff after a few hours in the sun. The spoonable shape makes it a natural addition to warm soups and stews too, and it takes on the flavor of meaty entrees like a champ. In the spirit of orzo appreciation, here are 23 wonderful ways to use it.
Salads
1. Grilled Zucchini Orzo
Don’t have a grill or grill pan? Roast or broil the vegetables here instead, especially the garlic. I’ve written a love letter to this recipe before, specifically the contrast created by the orzo-to-zucchini ratio and the wildcard ingredient of sesame oil.