Lunch: Orzo Salad

Recipe by Gina Marie Miraglia Eriquez Orzo is the Italian word for barley, and the slender, grain-shape of orzo pasta makes for a no-fuss, neatly consumed salad, particularly if you are balancing a plate while perched on the edge of a sofa or standing ar

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Lemon, Nuts

Health and fertility benefits of Orzo Salad

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity.

Ingredients

1/2 cup pine nuts
1 pound orzo
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, or to taste
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 (12 ounce) jar marinated roasted bell peppers, drained and chopped
1/2 pounds mozzarella, preferably fresh, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 cups chopped baby arugula leaves (2 1/2 ounces)
2 cups chopped radicchio (2 1/2 ounces)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 °F with rack in middle.
Roast pine nuts in a rimmed sheet pan until golden, about 8 minutes.
Cook orzo in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until tender, then drain well in a colander.
Meanwhile, whisk together lemon juice, oil, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl.
Add hot orzo to dressing and toss. Let orzo come to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
Add pine nuts, peppers, mozzarella, arugula, and radicchio and toss well.
Season salad with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice, if desired.

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