Description
Rainbow Orzo Salad is a bright and colorful salad perfect for warmer weather. It’s crunchy, light, and fresh, making it an ideal side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Salad:
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook orzo until al dente in salted boiling water, following package directions.
- While orzo cooks, whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl or shake in a jar. Set aside.
- Drain and rinse the cooked orzo with cold water for about 1 minute until cooled. Place in a large bowl.
- Add tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, red onion (if using), feta cheese, and basil to the bowl with the orzo. Toss to combine.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead of time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or chopped carrots.
- For a creamy version, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 5g
- Sodium: Approximately 200mg
- Fat: Approximately 18g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g
- Fiber: Approximately 4g
- Protein: Approximately 8g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 10mg
Keywords: Rainbow Orzo Salad, colorful orzo salad, vegetable orzo salad, orzo pasta salad, side dish, light lunch, Mediterranean orzo salad, summer salad