Ratatouille Orzo Salad
Ratatouille is a traditional French dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This hearty and flavorful dish is made with vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. It originated from the region of Provence and is known for its rustic and comforting flavors. There’s this misconception that ratatouille is a fancy vegetable dish plated with the vegetables thinly sliced and layered on top of each other, but the authentic version is a humble stew! I made it in culinary school recently and was surprised by the simplicity and flavor. It was also nothing like the one from the movie!
In recent years, chefs and home cooks alike have been putting their own spin on the classic ratatouille recipe. My twist is this Ratatouille-Inspired Orzo Salad. This recipe combines roasted vegetables with orzo pasta, basil and red pepper hummus instead of a red pepper sauce, creating a light and fresh dish that is perfect for a summer meal or meal prep.
To make this salad, start by roasting a mix of diced eggplant, summer squash, zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. While the vegetables are roasting, cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Once both the vegetables and orzo are cooked, combine them in a large bowl with minced shallots, sliced basil, and a red pepper hummus dressing made with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and paprika.
This Ratatouille-Inspired Orzo Salad is great for meal prep because it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also customize the recipe to your liking by swapping out the vegetables for any seasonal favorites, such as butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. If you need to make the dish gluten-free, simply substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or rice. I also love how this is a vegan recipe!! Of course, you can add the dairy (goat cheese or feta would be delicious here.)
