Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Rainbow Orzo Salad, a delightful dish that combines the freshness of seasonal vegetables with the heartiness of orzo pasta. This colorful salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a healthy addition to your table, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch option. With its quick preparation time and customizable ingredients, this salad allows you to enjoy a refreshing meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Toss in your favorite veggies and dress it up with a zesty homemade dressing for a truly personalized touch.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red apple vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook orzo in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled orzo with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion (if using), feta cheese, and basil.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: For added protein, consider stirring in grilled chicken or chickpeas. Customize by adding seasonal vegetables like zucchini or swapping out the feta for another cheese of your choice.