Go Back
+ servings

Orzo Pasta Salad: A Fresh Twist for Your Next Picnic

Orzo Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish for any gathering, featuring crunchy veggies and a zesty dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta a tiny pasta shape that cooks quickly
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup Cucumbers diced
  • 1 medium Red bell pepper chopped
  • 1/2 medium Red onion finely chopped, soak in water for milder flavor if desired
  • 1 cup Feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil healthy fat base
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard adds depth and tang
  • to taste Salt for flavor
  • to taste Pepper for flavor

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. While the orzo cooks, wash and chop the fresh vegetables: cut cherry tomatoes in halves, dice cucumbers, and chop red bell pepper. Finely chop the red onion, soaking it in cold water for 10 minutes if desired.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Once the orzo is cooled and veggies are prepped, add the orzo to a mixing bowl with parsley and crumbled feta. Gently toss to combine.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything in the dressing. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
  6. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 9gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and chill the salad before serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!