Salmon and Kale Orzo Salad

This pasta salad with kale and smoked salmon is a lovely twist on traditional orzo salad. If you can't find riotta salata you can substitute feta cheese.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 559 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
• ½ cup dried cherries
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pound uncooked orzo pasta
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 ounces smoked salmon, flaked
• 2 cups kale leaves, stems removed
• 3 ounces ricotta salata

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add orzo and cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and transfer onto a large baking sheet. Drizzle orzo with 3 tablespoons olive oil, toss, spread out, and set aside to cool, about 30 minutes.

Step 2

Once the orzo is cool, transfer to a large serving bowl. Set aside.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Blanch kale in the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Drain off water from kale and submerge in a bowl of ice water. Drain and blot dry.

Step 4

Add kale to orzo along with 1/4 cup olive oil, dried cherries, pine nuts, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine. Top with flaked salmon. Shave ricotta salata cheese on top and serve immediately.