Description
The Best Orzo Pasta Salad is a colorful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any gathering. This Mediterranean-inspired salad features tender orzo pasta combined with crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a zesty dressing that brings it all together. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, packing a picnic, or preparing a light meal, this salad is effortless to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy it as a main course paired with grilled chicken or turkey, or serve it as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite entrees. With its vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients, The Best Orzo Pasta Salad is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cooked orzo pasta
- 1 diced English cucumber
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 small chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup optional fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/3 cup red apple vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, chopped basil, and optional parsley.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the red apple vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper, and olive oil until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and stir gently until everything is well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg