Introduction
Orzo salad is a delicious and light dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you want a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or something fresh for a picnic, this easy orzo salad fits the bill. Orzo is a small pasta shaped like rice, and it soaks up flavors really well. When mixed with fresh vegetables and a tasty dressing, it becomes a refreshing and healthy salad.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a simple, fresh, and tasty orzo salad that anyone can enjoy. The best part? It takes just a few minutes to prepare, and you don’t need any fancy cooking skills. Let’s get started!
Ingredients – Orzo Salad
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this easy orzo salad:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step by Step Process – Orzo Salad
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by boiling a pot of water. Add a pinch of salt and then pour in the orzo pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it is soft but not mushy (al dente). Once cooked, drain the orzo and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the orzo is cooking, wash and chop all your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, slice the olives, and chop the parsley.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled orzo pasta. Then add all the chopped vegetables, olives, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine.
Step 5: Add Feta Cheese
If you like, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and mix it gently. Feta adds a nice creamy and salty flavor to the salad, but you can skip it if you prefer.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
You can serve the salad right away, but it tastes even better if you let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the flavors to mix and develop. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Vitamin A | 20% of daily value |
| Vitamin C | 30% of daily value |
| Calcium | 10% of daily value |
| Iron | 8% of daily value |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This orzo salad can be made a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and it will taste even better the next day.
Q2: Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach, carrots, or avocado to make it your own.
Q3: Is this salad gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat and contains gluten. For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free orzo or substitute with cooked quinoa or rice.
Q4: How long does the salad keep?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q5: Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas makes this salad a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This tasty and fresh easy orzo salad is a fantastic dish for busy days when you want something healthy, quick, and delicious. It combines simple ingredients with a bright lemony dressing that makes every bite refreshing. Plus, it’s very flexible—you can change the veggies, add proteins, or make it vegan by skipping the cheese.
Whether you’re packing it for lunch, serving it at a barbecue, or enjoying it as a side with dinner, this orzo salad will never disappoint. Give it a try, and you might find your new favorite go-to salad!
