Smoked Paprika Feta Orzo Salad with Charred Corn

Paprika Feta Orzo Salad

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (180g) Orzo pasta
• 2 large Ears of fresh sweetcorn
• 6 oz (170g) Crumbled Feta cheese
• 1/2 cup (75g) Red onion, very finely diced
• 1/2 cup (75g) Fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup (30g) Fresh dill, chopped
• 1/3 cup (80ml) Extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 clove Garlic, minced very finely
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp Fine sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

• Cook orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
• Remove corn husks. Lightly brush the ears of corn with oil. Heat a large, heavy bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium high heat until very hot. Place corn directly on the hot surface, turning frequently until kernels are spotted with dark brown/black char marks all over.
• Once cool enough to handle, carefully slice the kernels off the cobs. Discard the cobs.
• Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified.
• Combine Ingredients: Add the charred corn, diced red onion, parsley, and dill to the bowl with the cooled orzo.
• Dress and Toss: Pour about three quarters of the vinaigrette over the orzo mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Taste and add more dressing if desired.
• Final Touches: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese last, being careful not to mash it.
• Rest (Optional but Recommended): Cover and allow the salad to rest at room temperature (or chilled, if serving later) for at least 15 minutes to let the flavours marry before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	542 kcal
Protein	7.8 g
Fat	5.9 g
Carbs	32.8 g
Fiber	12.8 g
Sodium	5263 mg

Recipe Info

Category	Side Dish, Salad
Cuisine	Mediterranean

Elevate Your Barbecue with Unforgettable Cookout Side Dishes

The aroma of sizzling charcoal and smoky meat is the unmistakable hallmark of a glorious cookout. While the star attraction be it ribs, burgers, or brisket rightfully commands attention, the truly masterful backyard chef knows that the supporting ensemble elevates the entire experience.

We aren't just looking for filler; we’re seeking vibrant, textured, and flavour forward accompaniments that cut through the richness of grilled fare. Forget limp potato salad and bland coleslaw; it’s time to rethink your menu.

Finding the right Cookout Side Dishes is the secret ingredient to hosting renown. We need options that are robust, refreshing, and, crucially, stand up well to being transported and sitting out for a little while.

Today, we are diving deep into creating one such show stopping recipe: the Smoked Paprika & Feta Orzo Salad with Charred Corn.

Why This Orzo Salad Outshines Standard Picnic Fare

When planning Easy Cookout Side Dishes , many default to recipes heavy on mayonnaise, which can be a liability in the summer sun and often leaves guests feeling heavy. This orzo salad offers an invigorating alternative.

It's a Mediterranean inspired creation, boasting fluffy orzo pasta mixed with salty feta, vibrant fresh herbs, and a stunning, smoky lemon vinaigrette. It’s simultaneously light enough for a scorching afternoon yet hearty enough to satisfy every plate.

Setting the Stage: The Importance of Supporting Cast

A great barbecue requires balance. If your main dish is rich and fatty, your side needs acidity, freshness, and texture to provide contrast. This salad delivers exactly that. It’s a wonderfully versatile option among Cookout Sides For A Crowd because it actively enhances the smoky notes of the grill rather than competing with them.

Beyond that,, because it is dressed with a vinaigrette rather than a dairy heavy coating, it boasts superior travel capabilities, making it one of the premier Cookout Side Dishes That Travel Well .

A Flavor Profile That Defies Mayonnaise Myths

The magic here lies in the dressing. By ditching the cream based sauces, we introduce sharp citrus, pungent garlic, and, most importantly, deeply aromatic smoked paprika. This ingredient brings a rich, woodsy depth that mimics slow cooked barbecue flavour without requiring hours on the smoker.

It transforms a simple pasta salad into something sophisticated. These kinds of creative Cookout Side Dish Ideas are what turn a casual gathering into a memorable feast.

Introducing the Star: Smoked Paprika & Feta Orzo

Our recipe marries texture and taste beautifully. We use orzo a rice shaped pasta that absorbs dressing without becoming overly sticky as our base. The key additions are sweet, freshly charred corn kernels, which provide sweetness and a lovely blackened char, and high quality, salty feta cheese.

This combination ensures that every forkful offers a complex experience, cementing its place as one of the Best Sides For A Cookout .

Assembling the Culinary Components for Perfect Texture

Creating stellar Cookout Side Dishes For BBQ requires attention to the individual textures before combining them. We are aiming for chewiness from the pasta, pop from the corn, creaminess from the feta, and crunch from the raw red onion.

The flavour profile requires a sharp, lemony vinaigrette laced with Spanish smoked paprika, balanced against fresh dill and parsley. Serving 8 people generously, this recipe is deceptively simple to scale up if you are planning larger events.

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Sourcing the Specifics: Essential Produce and Pantry Items

To achieve the full depth of flavour, sourcing high quality ingredients is non-negotiable. While this recipe falls into the Easy Side Dishes For A Party category due to its straightforward assembly, the quality of the components shines through.

The Orzo Base and Dairy Components Checklist

You’ll need one cup (about 180g) of orzo pasta for our standard batch. For the cheese, aim for a good quality, block feta stored in brine, rather than pre-crumbled, as it crumbles better and retains better flavour.

For freshness, ensure you have two large ears of sweet corn, ideally fresh off the stalk if possible. The fresh herbs flat-leaf parsley and dill should be vibrant; roughly half a cup of each, chopped, adds necessary brightness to these Dishes To Pass At A Cookout .

Tools Required for Optimal Charring and Mixing

A large, heavy bottomed skillet, preferably cast iron, is essential for achieving the crucial char on the corn kernels without steaming them. This high heat searing method is what separates this salad from standard fare.

Otherwise, you simply require a saucepan for the orzo, a whisk, and a very large mixing bowl to prevent crushing the delicate ingredients during assembly.

Measuring Matters: Accurate Ratios for Peak Flavor Balance

The vinaigrette is where precision counts. We balance one-third cup of extra virgin olive oil with one-quarter cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. To this, we introduce the flavour anchors: one teaspoon of pungent smoked paprika, one finely minced clove of garlic, and one teaspoon of Dijon mustard to help slightly emufy the dressing.

Salt and pepper (half teaspoon fine sea salt, quarter teaspoon black pepper) are adjusted last, but these starting ratios provide a beautifully acidic counterpoint to the creamy feta.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting This Superior Cookout Side Dish

The journey to this exceptional dish is quick, clocking in at about 35 minutes of active time, plus cooling. The beauty of this structure is that the flavour deepens beautifully upon resting.

Achieving the Perfect Char on Your Sweet Corn Kernels

Start by shucking your corn and wiping the ears lightly with oil. The key here is heat get your cast iron pan screaming hot over medium high. Place the corn directly on the dry, hot surface. Resist the urge to stir immediately; let the kernels sit long enough to develop dark, almost black, blistered spots.

Rotate them continuously until they are charred beautifully across all sides. Once cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to carefully slice the kernels away from the cob.

Perfectly Al Dente: Cooking and Cooling the Orzo

While the corn chars, cook the orzo pasta according to package directions, ensuring it hits the al dente mark slightly resistant to the bite. Drain it immediately. To prevent sticking and stop the cooking process right away, rinse the pasta briefly under cold running water before transferring it to your large mixing bowl.

Building Flavor Layers: Combining Smoked Paprika Dressing Elements

In your small bowl, vigorously whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until they are well emufied. This forms the backbone of the flavour profile. Take a moment to smell that smoky, zesty combination; it’s intoxicating!

The Final Fold: Integrating Feta and Charred Corn Gently

Add the charred corn kernels, half a cup of finely diced red onion, the chopped parsley, and the dill directly into the bowl with the cooled orzo. Pour about three quarters of your prepared vinaigrette over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Finally, the feta.

Crumble the 6 ounces of salty feta over the top and fold it in with the utmost care. We want distinct crumbles, not a creamy, melted mess, so handle this final step lightly.

Making Ahead and Mastering Cookout Side Dishes Storage

One of the greatest assets of this orzo salad is its ability to improve with time. This makes it one of the most reliable Dishes To Pass At A Cookout because you can complete the majority of the work hours before guests arrive.

Optimal Chilling Times for Maximum Flavor Infusion

For the best result, dress the salad about 30 minutes before serving and let it sit at cool room temperature so the pasta can absorb the vinaigrette fully. If you are preparing it further in advance up to a day ahead assemble everything except the feta and the final drizzle of dressing.

Store it chilled. Add the feta and the remaining dressing just before taking it out to the party to ensure the cheese remains bright and the corn texture is optimal.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs and Availability

If you have gluten sensitivities, this recipe adapts beautifully. Swap the orzo for quinoa or millet; these grains carry the vinaigrette just as well. For those avoiding alliums, omit the raw onion and garlic but consider adding finely chopped celery for a necessary crunch.

This flexibility ensures everyone can enjoy these Healthy Cookout Side Dishes without compromise.

Transport Tips: Keeping This Dish Fresh on the Road

Because it relies on oil and vinegar rather than mayonnaise, temperature control is less stressful. Pack the salad in a well sealed container and place it in a cooler with ice packs.

Because it is oil-based, you don't need to worry about immediate spoilage, though keeping it cool helps maintain the crispness of the onion and herbs.

Elevating This Recipe for Future Gatherings

Once you’ve mastered this foundational recipe, feel free to experiment. Adding toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds provides an extra layer of textural complexity. A dash of red wine vinegar into the dressing brightens the flavour profile further.

Alternatively, folding in halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced bell peppers injects more colour and juice, ensuring this salad remains a staple on your list of go-to Cookout Side Dishes for years to come.