Have you ever been to the J. Alexander’s restaurant? We have one here in Chattanooga, and my favorite item on the menu is J Alexander’s Orzo and Wild rice salad! It is so good! Recently I hosted a baby shower and my friend Jessica brought this homemade version of the famous salad at J. Alexanders. It was fantastic! She graciously shared the recipe with me for The Sisters Cafe:) Thank you Jessica! This recipe has a long list of ingredients, but let me tell you, it is well worth it!! Enjoy!
PrintJ Alexander’s Orzo and Wild Rice Salad
Ingredients
Scale
*Note: You may want to double or triple this, the recipe does not make a lot.
DRESSING: (Makes 1 cup)
- 4 1/2 tablespoons balsamic white vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 3/8 cup ( 1/4 cup plus 1/8 cup) canola oil
- 3/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
FOR SALAD:
- 2 cups cooked orzo
- 1 cup cooked wild rice
- 1/4 cup diced red onions
- 1/4 cup currants
- 1/8 cup fresh corn niblets
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 3 tablespoond diced red peppers
- 3 tablespoons diced yellow peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup dressing (recipe follows)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/8 cup cut fresh basil
Instructions
FOR DRESSING:
- Dissolve vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and sugar with a hand whip (three minute stirring). Fold in the mustard, basil, salt and pepper. Slowly add oils, while whisking vigorously. Refrigerate.
FOR SALAD:
- Place all other ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Serve ice cold.
Way too much sugar it should read teaspoon not tablespoon.
Way too much sugar it should read teaspoon not tablespoon.
I bought white balsamic vinegar at my local grocery store–I had not heard of it either, but it was not hard to find. I would think that regular would be fine though! Let me know how it goes!
I bought white balsamic vinegar at my local grocery store–I had not heard of it either, but it was not hard to find. I would think that regular would be fine though! Let me know how it goes!
Yum! I have never seen white balsamic vinegar. Do you think using the regular balsamic vinegar would make the salad look greyish? I want to try this!
Yum! I have never seen white balsamic vinegar. Do you think using the regular balsamic vinegar would make the salad look greyish? I want to try this!
Oh… I love a good orzo salad!
Oh… I love a good orzo salad!