Easy Orzo Pasta Salad
Easy Orzo Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual picnics to elegant dinners. This simple salad combines tender orzo pasta with crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. It’s quick to prepare and fully customizable, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients like grilled chicken for protein or extra veggies for crunch. Whether served chilled as a side dish or enjoyed as a light meal on its own, this orzo salad is sure to be a hit. With its delightful flavors and colorful presentation, it’s not just food; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups dried orzo pasta
- 1 medium English cucumber, diced
- 1 large tomato or 8 ounces halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, mint)
- ½ cup pitted olives, halved
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon honey/maple syrup
- lemon zest & juice
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in salted boiling water until tender (6-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey/maple syrup, lemon zest and juice (start with 2 tablespoons), salt and pepper.
- Add the drained orzo to the dressing and mix well. Let it cool for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cucumber, tomatoes, herbs, olives, and artichokes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately or refrigerate for about an hour before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Find it online: https://melteddish.com/easy-orzo-pasta-salad/