Description
Rainbow Orzo Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. With its medley of colorful vegetables and zesty dressing, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch, Rainbow Orzo Salad is easy to prepare in just 25 minutes. Its versatility allows you to pair it with grilled meats or enjoy it on its own as a nutritious meal. Packed with seasonal produce and wholesome orzo pasta, this salad promises to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 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 (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook orzo until al dente according to package directions.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Drain and rinse: Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse under cold water until cooled. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Combine ingredients: Add cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, optional red onion, feta cheese (if using), and basil to the orzo. Toss gently.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg