I absolutely love how easy this creamy Giada De Laurentiis chocolate mousse is to make. It only needs 5 simple ingredients and takes 30 minutes—perfect for when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The creamy texture and the way it melts in your mouth are just irresistible.
To make it extra special, I scoop it into cute little glasses and sprinkle some crumbled meringue cookies on top. It’s my go-to dessert when I want to impress without any stress.
Recipe Ingredients
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 orange, zested
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound orzo
- 1 orange
- 1 pink grapefruit
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup shaved fennel
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
How To Make Giada Orzo Salad with Fresh Citrus and Red Onion
- Cook Orzo: Add orzo to broth, cook until tender.
- Prepare Citrus: Cut between membranes to release segments.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix orzo, citrus, onion, mint, basil, fennel, salt, pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Toss all ingredients, serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Citrus Swap: Exchange navel oranges for blood oranges for a deeper, richer flavor and a pop of vibrant color, adding an unexpected twist to this classic salad.
- Onion Options: Substitute red onion with thinly sliced shallots or scallions for a sweeter, milder flavor that complements the bright citrus and creamy orzo.
- Add Some Crunch: Introduce some satisfying crunch by tossing in toasted pistachios or chopped pecans, which provide a delightful contrast to the smooth orzo and citrus.
- Make It a Meal: Elevate this salad to a main course by adding protein-rich grilled chicken, seared salmon, or crispy prosciutto, ensuring a satisfying and filling meal.
- Dressing DIY: Craft your own citrus vinaigrette by whisking together freshly squeezed juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of sugar for a tailor-made flavor that suits your taste.
Recipe FAQs and Variations
Can I substitute fennel with another vegetable?
While fennel adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with thinly sliced celery for a similar crunch.
What’s the best way to cook orzo?
Cook orzo al dente, then fluff with a fork to prevent clumping. Undercooked orzo can lead to a sticky salad.
How do I segment the citrus fruits?
Cut between membranes to release segments. Use a gentle sawing motion to avoid squeezing the fruit.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Prepare all ingredients except orzo up to a day in advance. Cook orzo just before assembling the salad to ensure freshness.
Check out More Giada Recipes:
- Giada Lemon Ricotta Cookies With Lemon Glaze
- Giada Tuscan White Bean And Garlic Soup
- Giada Herbed Striped Bass With Winter Kale Salad
Giada Orzo Salad with Fresh Citrus and Red Onion
Course: SaladCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutes12
minutes420
kcalI absolutely love how easy this creamy Giada De Laurentiis chocolate mousse is to make. It only needs 5 simple ingredients and takes 30 minutes—perfect for when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The creamy texture and the way it melts in your mouth are just irresistible. To make it extra special, I scoop it into cute little glasses and sprinkle some crumbled meringue cookies on top. It’s my go-to dessert when I want to impress without any stress.
Ingredients
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 orange, zested
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 pound orzo
1 orange
1 pink grapefruit
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh mint leaves
¼ cup fresh basil leaves
½ cup shaved fennel
1 teaspoon coarse salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Cook Orzo: Add orzo to broth, cook until tender.
- Prepare Citrus: Cut between membranes to release segments.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix orzo, citrus, onion, mint, basil, fennel, salt, pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Toss all ingredients, serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories420
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
22g
34%
- Saturated Fat 35g 175%
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 250mg 11%
- Total Carbohydrate
45g
15%
- Dietary Fiber 4g 16%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 10g 20%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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