Print

Zesty Orzo Pasta Salad

zesty orzo pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A fresh, tangy, and light orzo pasta salad perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or light meals. Features a bright lemon dressing and crunchy veggies for a satisfying yet refreshing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (about 270g) uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • ¼ cup (about 60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons (about 45ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups (270g) of orzo and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the orzo in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down for the salad. Set aside to drain well.
  3. While the orzo cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop the parsley.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped veggies, and crumbled feta cheese (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Rinse orzo after cooking to prevent sticking and cool it for the salad. Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with quinoa or rice-shaped cauliflower. Feta cheese is optional and can be replaced with goat cheese or omitted for dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: orzo pasta salad, light lunch, lemon dressing, quick salad, Mediterranean salad, easy pasta salad, healthy lunch

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/zesty-orzo-pasta-salad-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-light-lunch/