Description
Ultimate Orzo Pasta Salad: Light, Flavorful Bliss is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. This salad features tender orzo pasta combined with an array of colorful vegetables and fragrant herbs, all tossed in a bright and zesty lemon dressing. Ideal for summer picnics, potlucks, or light weeknight dinners, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Its versatility allows you to serve it as a main dish or a delightful side, making it a go-to option for any occasion. Enjoy the balance of fresh ingredients and satisfying textures in every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup Kalamata-style olives, sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta-style cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and let cool completely.
- While the pasta cools, wash and chop the vegetables and herbs.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled orzo with tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, olives, parsley, and dill. Gently mix.
- In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Fold in crumbled feta-style cheese and chill before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main/Side
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg