Description
For the Salad:
12 oz orecchiette pasta, cooked and cooled
4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
½ cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Orange Poppy Seed Dressing:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon poppy seeds
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
In a large bowl, combine cooked orecchiette, Brie cubes, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, spinach, and red onion.
Drizzle the orange poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all .
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare Components: While the pasta cools, cube the Brie cheese, chop the toasted walnuts and baby spinach, and thinly slice the red onion. Toasting the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant enhances their flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is fully emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orecchiette, Brie cubes, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, spinach, and red onion.
- Dress and Rest: Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad can be served in several ways. For a light lunch, serve it on a bed of extra baby spinach or arugula. It makes an excellent side dish for grilled chicken, salmon, or pork chops. To elevate a picnic or potluck, transport it in a sealed container and garnish with extra orange zest and a few whole walnuts just before serving.
How-to Summary
This salad comes together by cooking and cooling orecchiette pasta, then combining it with cubed Brie, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, spinach, and red onion. A quick, whisked orange poppy seed dressing ties all the sweet, savory, and tangy elements together. A brief chill time is recommended for the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance. Store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy and the spinach from wilting.
What can I use instead of Brie cheese?
If Brie is too strong, creamy goat cheese (chèvre) or feta cheese are excellent substitutes that pair well with the other ingredients.
How do I prevent the red onion from being too pungent?
Soak the thinly sliced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This mellows its sharp bite significantly.
Is there a substitute for the honey in the dressing?
Absolutely. Maple syrup or agave nectar will work well for a similar sweetness, making the recipe vegan-friendly if paired with a non-dairy cheese.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Any small, sturdy pasta that holds dressing well will work, such as farfalle (bow-tie), fusilli, or penne.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm pasta: Adding dressing to warm pasta will cause it to absorb too much dressing and become gummy. Ensure it is completely cooled.
- Over-mixing with Brie: Toss the salad gently to avoid mashing the Brie cubes into a clumpy paste.
- Skipping the toasting step for walnuts: Toasting is crucial for unlocking the nuts’ full, rich flavor and adding a satisfying crunch.
- Using bottled orange juice: Fresh orange juice and zest are essential for the dressing’s bright, vibrant flavor. Bottled juice will taste flat.
Conclusion
This Orecchiette Salad with Brie and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is a celebration of textures and flavors. The combination of creamy cheese, tart fruit, crunchy nuts, and a vibrant citrus dressing creates a dish that is both sophisticated and simple to prepare. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that proves pasta salad can be truly gourmet.