Easy Ensalada Fría: Refreshing Cold Salad Recipe (Print Version)
Enjoy a vibrant Ensalada Fría, a refreshing and easy cold salad perfect for any meal. Packed with fresh ingredients, it's a quick, healthy side or light main.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Spanish
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Refreshing Core
01 -
1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
02 -
1 large cucumber, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
03 -
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
04 -
1 red bell pepper, diced
05 -
1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
→ Savory Accents
06 -
2 (5-ounce) cans tuna in water, drained
07 -
1/2 cup pitted green olives (Manzanilla), halved
08 -
1/4 red onion, finely diced
→ Zesty Vinaigrette
09 -
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
10 -
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
11 -
1 clove garlic, minced
12 -
1/2 tsp dried oregano
13 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Fresh Finish
14 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup orzo pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Transfer the cooled orzo to a large mixing bowl, ready for your Ensalada Fría: Receta Refrescante y Fácil.
02 -
Dice 1 large cucumber, halve 1 pint cherry tomatoes, dice 1 red bell pepper, and finely dice 1/4 red onion. Thaw 1/2 cup frozen corn. Drain 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna in water thoroughly and halve 1/2 cup pitted green olives. Set all prepped ingredients aside.
03 -
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 clove garlic (minced), and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. This zesty dressing is crucial for the vibrant flavors of your Ensalada Fría: Receta Refrescante y Fácil.
04 -
Add the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, thawed corn, drained tuna, halved green olives, and finely diced red onion to the large mixing bowl with the cooled orzo. Pour the prepared vinaigrette evenly over all the ingredients.
05 -
Gently toss all ingredients together until thoroughly combined and coated with the vinaigrette. Taste the salad and adjust salt and black pepper as needed to your preference. Ensure every bite of your Ensalada Fría: Receta Refrescante y Fácil is perfectly seasoned.
06 -
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ensalada fría for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and for it to chill completely. This step is crucial for the 'Refrescante' part of the recipe.
07 -
Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped. Serve cold as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a vibrant contribution to any gathering.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette if you enjoy a little heat.
02 -
Store leftover Ensalada Fría in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often improve overnight!
03 -
Feel free to swap orzo for another small pasta like ditalini or small shells. Canned chickpeas or white beans can also be a great addition for extra protein.
04 -
This refreshing salad is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a light lunch. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Colander
03 -
Large mixing bowl
04 -
Cutting board
05 -
Chef's knife
06 -
Measuring cups and spoons
07 -
Whisk
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 kcal
Total Fat: 18 g
Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
Protein: 22 g