Perfect Orzo Pasta Salad
Create the perfect orzo pasta salad with our easy recipe, including customizable options and serving tips for a nutritious and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- Orzo pasta
- Fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers
- Red onion
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice or vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Feta cheese
Kalamata olives
Chickpeas
Roasted red peppers
Spinach or arugula
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 1 pound of orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 7-10 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Set aside.
- Dice 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, 1 large cucumber, and 2 medium bell peppers.
- Finely chop 1 medium red onion and a small bunch of fresh parsley or basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice or white wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, diced vegetables, and chopped herbs.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
- If using optional ingredients like feta cheese, kalamata olives, chickpeas, roasted red peppers, or spinach, add them at this stage and mix well.
- Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the orzo pasta salad immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Before serving, you can refresh the salad by bringing it to room temperature and adding a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if needed.