Orzo Salad With Sesame Dressing - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb orzo pasta, uncooked
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 carrots, cut into thin strips
2 cups raisins
1 cup sunflower seeds, toasted
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Sesame Dressing
3/4 cup corn oil
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup sesame oil
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons grated orange rind
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon dry crushed red pepper

Preparation

To make dressing: add all dressing ingredients to the container of an electric blender; process until smooth; set aside.
Cook the orzo in boiling salted water to cover for about 8 minutes or until tender; drain, rinse, and drain again.
In a mixing bowl, toss the orzo and 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
Spoon half the orzo mixture into a large glass serving bowl; spread evenly.
Top with half the carrot strips, raisins, and sunflower kernels.
Repeat layers.
Drizzle 1 cup Sesame Dressing over the top.
Sprinkle the parsley and green onion evenly over the top.
Serve with the remaining Sesame Dressing.