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Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

Delightful Summer Orzo Pasta Salad for Sunny Days

A refreshing Summer Orzo Pasta Salad bursting with vibrant vegetables and flavors, perfect for sunny days.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups Orzo can be substituted with any small pasta like couscous or ditalini
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper can swap for yellow or orange bell pepper
  • 1 cup Orange Bell Pepper can replace with extra red bell pepper
  • 1 medium Red Onion soak in water to mellow the flavor
  • 1 medium Cucumber try substituting with zucchini
  • 1 cup Corn can use fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup Tomatoes cherry or grape tomatoes work well
  • 1 bunch Basil can substitute with parsley
  • 2 stalks Green Onion can use chives as an alternative
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese optional; can be omitted for vegan
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil any light oil can work
  • 1 Juice Lemon can swap with lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning can substitute with a mix of dried oregano and thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard yellow mustard can be used
  • 1 clove Garlic can use garlic powder as an alternative
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • large spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
  2. While the orzo cools, chop the red and orange bell peppers, finely dice the red onion, and slice the cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Add them to a mixing bowl with the corn, fresh basil, and green onions.
  3. Once the orzo is cooled, transfer it to the bowl of vegetables and fold gently to combine.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Adjust to taste.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Optionally, top with freshly grated parmesan before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For enhanced flavors, chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving and add fresh herbs just before serving.

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