by Alyssa RiversThis website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my privacy policy.
Orzo pasta that is filled with corn, black beans, cilantro, avocado and cherry tomatoes. The cilantro lime ranch dressing on top is incredible!
It’s hot here in Utah my friends. Like 102 degrees. We only go outside if it involves a kiddie pool and a hose to cool us down. Since I am not a fan of using the oven when it is so hot we love to get together and have a BBQ.
I always try to have a delicious side to go with our BBQ. Something cool and filled with all of my faves.
I love orzo pasta. The texture is a mix between pasta and rice and it is amazing. I wanted to use orzo in a delicious pasta dish to take to a gathering. Then it came to mind to make a southwestern style pasta salad. I filled it with corn, black beans, cilantro, avocados, and cherry tomatoes. The result was delicious!
The textures and flavors combined so well in this easy to make orzo salad. I love cilantro ranch dressing on pretty much anything. So I added some lime and tossed it with the salad. IT WAS AMAZING!
I instantly fell in love with my first bite.
I know that you guys are going to love this one! It is sure to be a hit wherever it goes. 🙂
Southwest Orzo Salad with Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups uncooked orzo uncooked
- 1 can corn 15 oz., drained
- 1 can black beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 avocados diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
Cilantro Lime Ranch:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt
- 3 Tablespoons milk
- 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Cilantro
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook and prepare orzo according to package directions. Rinse in cold water.
- Add corn, black beans, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro and toss.
To make the cilantro lime ranch:
- In a food processor or blender, add the mayonnaise, greek yogurt, milk, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and salt and pepper. Pulse until blended.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo salad and toss until coated. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Serves: 6
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.
looks lovely
But where is the ranch flavor in the lime ranch? I am in need of a ranch recipe! This is just a creamy dressing.
Here are the ingredients:
Cilantro Lime Ranch:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup greek yogurt
3 Tablespoons milk
1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
2 Tablespoons Cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
OMG! Your Recipes Rock!!!! Love Orzo, Cilantro & Lime, All together? WOW, cannot wait to make this! And your Mizithra Spaghetti!!! The Only thing I ever ordered at the Ole Spaghetti Factory! But… I have not been there in 20 years. I’ve got to find the cheese, just can’t wait to make it. Love, Love your Recipes!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I am so glad you love the recipes! 🙂
Looks delicious! Can this be made in advance? Will the avocado be okay if the salad is made several hours before its served?
You could make everything else before hand, just add the avocado in right before serving. 🙂
Looks refreshingly cool and delicious. I love the colors in the salad. Gotta try this asap, I am sure I would fall in love it too.
Looks like a great recipe….but I don’t see any lime in the ingredients.
Haha! Sorry thats what I get for typing up the recipe at 1 am! It is 1 Tablespoon!
Hello Allyssa. This looks lovely and I would like to make it tomorrow, but I have a question on your lime dressing. There isn’t lime listed in the ingredients list, is that a mistake or is it made without?
Thanks kindly and I love and make your recipes. 🙂
Carol
Sounds delicious but where’s the lime in the recipe?
I love orzo pasta! It is such a nice change from your typical pasta salad. This recipe looks so tasty and perfect for this crazy, hot weather. I feel ya with the heat. I am definitely bunkered down in my air conditioned house for now.