Rainbow Orzo Vegetable Salad (Printable Recipe)
Orzo pasta, crisp veggies, tangy dressing, and feta unite for a fresh, flavorful, and colorful salad.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Dressing
01 -
60 ml extra virgin olive oil
02 -
30 ml red wine vinegar
03 -
15 ml fresh lemon juice
04 -
5 ml honey
05 -
1 clove garlic, finely minced
06 -
2.5 ml Italian seasoning
07 -
Salt, to taste
08 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Salad
09 -
300 g uncooked orzo pasta
10 -
170 g cherry tomatoes, quartered
11 -
75 g orange bell pepper, diced
12 -
75 g yellow bell pepper, diced
13 -
130 g cucumber, diced
14 -
40 g red onion, finely chopped (optional)
15 -
40 g feta cheese, crumbled
16 -
10 g fresh basil, thinly sliced
17 -
Salt, to taste
18 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
02 -
Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until emulsified. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
03 -
Drain cooked orzo using a colander and rinse under cold running water for 1 minute to halt the cooking process and cool completely.
04 -
Transfer cooled orzo to a large mixing bowl. Add quartered cherry tomatoes, diced orange and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, red onion (if using), crumbled feta, and sliced basil. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
05 -
Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss thoroughly until all components are lightly coated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
06 -
Serve immediately for a fresh taste, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow to rest for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for optimal flavor melding if desired.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For enhanced flavor, allow the prepared salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving, which helps the dressing infuse the vegetables.
02 -
Swap in seasonal vegetables for variety or add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier dish.
03 -
Avoid overcooking orzo; drain immediately when al dente and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.