Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups enoki mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons truffle oil
- Juice and zest of one lemon
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Optional Add-Ons:
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- Grated parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative) for extra umami
Substitutions:
- Use shiitake or button mushrooms instead of enoki if preferred.
- Replace lemon juice with a mix of vinegar and lemon zest for a similar tang.
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Fill a large pot with 6 cups of salted water and bring to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but slightly firm. Drain but do not rinse.
- Cook the Enoki Mushrooms: While the orzo cooks, heat olive oil and truffle oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced enoki mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked orzo directly into the skillet with the mushrooms. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the fragrant oils. Add lemon juice, zest, and fresh basil. Stir to combine evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season with more salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, fold in cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad warm or chilled. For a refreshing version, refrigerate for about an hour before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serving Tip: Drizzle extra truffle oil just before serving for an aromatic finish.
- Make It a Meal: Add chickpeas or grilled tofu for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad / Pasta
- Method: Boil + Sauté + Toss
- Cuisine: Modern Fusion / Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: enoki mushroom orzo salad, truffle orzo salad, lemon basil orzo, easy pasta salad, vegan mushroom salad, gourmet pasta salad, light vegetarian dish