Description
Rainbow Orzo Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines colorful vegetables with tender orzo pasta, making it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches. This easy-to-make salad not only pleases the eyes with its bright hues but also delights the palate with a burst of flavor in every bite. Tossed in a zesty dressing, this nutritious salad is perfect for any gathering and can be tailored to suit your preferences. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with grilled chicken for a protein boost.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- ½ orange bell pepper, diced
- ½ yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- ¼ cup chopped red onion (optional)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced
- Dressing: extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and cool under cold water.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together dressing ingredients until combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled orzo with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, onion (if using), feta cheese, and basil.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg