Tropical Orzo Bliss Salad
Indulge in the tropical delight of our Tropical Orzo Bliss Salad, a creamy and refreshing dish that transforms traditional fruit salad into something unique and satisfying. This vibrant salad features succulent crushed pineapple and zesty mandarin oranges, perfectly complemented by chewy orzo pasta and a luscious, creamy dressing. Ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, just as a side dish, or any celebration, this salad is best prepared the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Bring a taste of the tropics to your next event and watch your guests savor every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed pineapple
60 ounces (juice drained and reserved)
Mandarin oranges
32 ounces (juice drained and reserved)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
Salt
1 teaspoon (kosher)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons (for thickening)
Cool Whip
16 ounces (thawed)
Orzo pasta
1 pound (cooked and drained)
Instructions
1
Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
2
In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar, salt, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly add in the reserved juice from the pineapple and mandarin oranges while stirring continuously.
3
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.
4
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo pasta, drained mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, and the cooled juice mixture. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until everything is well combined.
6
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Orzo Bliss Salad?
It is a unique and refreshing dish that combines orzo pasta with crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, and a creamy dressing to create a tropical twist on traditional fruit salad.
What are the main fruit ingredients?
The salad features 60 ounces of crushed pineapple and 32 ounces of mandarin oranges.
Should I drain the juice from the canned fruit?
Yes, you must drain the fruit, but it is essential to reserve the juice as it is used to make the dressing base.
How much orzo pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of orzo pasta, which should be cooked and drained before use.
What ingredients make up the cooked portion of the dressing?
The cooked dressing consists of beaten eggs, granulated sugar, kosher salt, cornstarch, and the reserved fruit juices.
How do you thicken the dressing?
The dressing is thickened by whisking cornstarch into the juice and egg mixture and bringing it to a gentle boil on the stove.
When should I add the Cool Whip?
Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip after the orzo, fruit, and cooled juice mixture have been combined.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate?
The salad should refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though preparing it the night before is recommended for the best flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is highly recommended for potlucks, BBQs, summer gatherings, and picnics due to its refreshing nature.
Can I serve the salad immediately after mixing?
It is best to let it chill so the flavors can meld, but it can be served after a minimum of 2 hours in the fridge.
What is the texture of the Tropical Orzo Bliss Salad?
The salad has a creamy, luscious texture with chewy orzo and succulent fruit pieces.
What type of sugar is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
Are the eggs cooked in this recipe?
Yes, the beaten eggs are whisked with other ingredients and brought to a boil to ensure they are fully cooked and help thicken the sauce.
Do I need to cool the orzo before mixing?
Yes, the orzo should be drained and set aside to cool before being combined with other ingredients.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
You can use fresh fruit, but you will need to find a substitute for the reserved juice required for the dressing base.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Is this considered a dessert or a side dish?
It is versatile and can be served as a refreshing side dish or a dessert salad.
How much Cool Whip is needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of thawed Cool Whip.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the fruit juice and egg mixture.
Can I prepare the juice mixture in advance?
Yes, the juice mixture must be cooled completely before assembly, so making it ahead of time is very helpful.
Is the salad served warm?
No, this is a chilled salad intended to be served cold.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, fruit salad, orzo, tropical, refreshing, easy to make, potluck, bbq, summer, and dessert salad.
Does the recipe contain dairy?
Yes, Cool Whip contains dairy derivatives, and the recipe includes eggs.
How many ingredients are in this salad?
There are 8 ingredients: pineapple, oranges, eggs, sugar, salt, cornstarch, Cool Whip, and orzo.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While orzo is traditional for this specific 'bliss' salad texture, other small pastas could be substituted.
How should I store the salad?
Store the salad in a covered serving bowl or airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is the salad kid-friendly?
Yes, its sweet, creamy, and fruity profile is generally very popular with children.
How do I prevent the dressing from being lumpy?
Whisk the eggs, sugar, salt, and cornstarch until smooth before slowly adding the juice and heating.
What happens if I don't let the sauce cool before adding Cool Whip?
The Cool Whip will melt, resulting in a runny salad rather than a creamy one.
Can this recipe be halved?
Yes, you can easily halve the ingredients to make a smaller portion.