Orzo Summer Salad

$- 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 medium cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced The orzo pasta serves as the base for this colorful salad. I love using fresh cherry tomatoes for their sweet flavor. Diced cucumber and bell pepper add crunch and color. Finely chopped red onion gives a nice bite, while fresh basil brings a bright note. Feta cheese adds creaminess, making each bite delightful. The dressing, made from olive oil and lemon juice, brings everything together. You can use different types of olive oil for varied flavors. Try flavored oils like garlic or herb-infused. For vinegar, options like balsamic or red wine vinegar work well too. They can add a tangy kick to your dish. This salad is light yet filling. One serving has about 200 calories. It contains carbs from the orzo and healthy fats from the olive oil. You’ll also get fiber from the veggies. Each ingredient adds its own health benefits, making this salad both tasty and nutritious. Be sure to check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps and tips! To start, boil a pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Next, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the orzo to be al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. After cooking, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it quickly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the veggies. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, a diced cucumber, a diced bell pepper, and 1/2 finely chopped red onion. Stir in fresh basil leaves and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. If you like, toss in black olives too. This mix brings color and flavor to your salad. For the dressing, gather 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. In a small bowl, whisk these ingredients together with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing gives your salad a bright, zesty flavor. Make sure to whisk until it is well-combined, so every bite gets that tasty coating. Now, pour the dressing over your salad mix. Gently toss everything together. Make sure all the ingredients get coated. Then, let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting time is key. It allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite even more delicious. Enjoy your vibrant and fresh orzo summer salad! For the full recipe, check out the details provided above. - Cooking orzo al dente for best texture: Cook the orzo just until firm. This keeps it from getting mushy. Follow the package for timing. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. - Using fresh herbs for maximum flavor: Fresh herbs bring life to your salad. I love using basil, parsley, or mint. Chop them just before adding to keep their flavor bright. - Serving suggestions for gatherings: Use a large, colorful bowl to serve. This makes your salad stand out. Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of feta. - Creative plating techniques: For a fun twist, serve the salad in mason jars. This is great for picnics or meal prep. It also looks cute and keeps the salad fresh. - Additional herbs to consider: Try dill or cilantro for a new taste. They can change the salad's vibe. Just chop them finely before adding. - Spice up your salad with extras: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also toss in some nuts or seeds for crunch. For a salty kick, add capers or olives. {{image_2}} You can easily change the vegetables based on what’s fresh. Try zucchini, corn, or snap peas. These veggies add color and great taste. You can also add protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp makes the salad heartier. Just cook the protein separately and mix it in with the orzo. Dressings can change your salad's flavor a lot. A creamy dressing made with yogurt can be a tasty twist. Just mix yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. For a zesty option, use lime or orange juice. The citrus adds a nice kick that brightens the dish. Making a vegan version is easy. Simply leave out the feta cheese. You can add avocado for creaminess instead. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free orzo pasta. Many brands offer this, so you won’t miss out on flavor. Explore these variations to create your perfect Orzo Summer Salad. For the full recipe, check out the previous section. To keep your orzo summer salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Place the salad in the fridge right after serving. It lasts about 3 to 5 days. If you notice any changes in smell or color, it’s best to toss it. You may wonder if you should heat orzo salad. Typically, this salad is best served cold. Heating can change its texture and flavor. If you really want to warm it, try the stovetop method. Place the salad in a pan over low heat. Stir gently until it's warm. Can it be frozen? Yes, but with caution. Freezing can alter the texture of fresh vegetables. If you plan to freeze the salad, leave out the fresh herbs and feta. Store it in a freezer-safe container. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Serve it cold with fresh herbs and feta added back in. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can make Orzo Summer Salad ahead of time. This salad tastes great when chilled. To prep in advance, follow these steps: - Cook the orzo and let it cool. - Chop the veggies and store them separately. - Mix the dressing in a small bowl and keep it aside. - Combine everything right before serving for the best flavor. This way, the salad stays fresh and crunchy. If you want to skip feta cheese, several tasty options exist. Here are some great substitutes: - Goat cheese gives a creamy texture. - Ricotta adds a mild flavor. - Vegan feta works well for a dairy-free choice. - Try mozzarella for a softer bite. Each option brings a unique flavor to the salad, so choose what you like best. To make Orzo Summer Salad gluten-free, pick the right pasta. Here are some good brands: - Banza offers chickpea orzo. - Explore Cuisine has lentil-based orzo. - Tinkyada makes brown rice orzo. You can also use gluten-free ingredients like: - Fresh veggies like cucumbers and bell peppers. - Olive oil and lemon juice for the dressing. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad! Orzo Summer Salad is fresh, colorful, and full of flavor. It includes tasty vegetables and a bright dressing that ties it all together. Remember, cooking the orzo just right makes a big difference. You can also swap in different veggies or proteins to suit your taste. Store leftovers properly to keep your salad fresh. With a few simple tips, you can serve an amazing dish at your next gathering. Enjoy making this vibrant salad that everyone will love!$

Beat the heat with this refreshing Orzo Summer Salad! Bursting with vibrant cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy feta, this dish is perfect for picnics or summer gatherings. Whip it up in just 30 minutes and enjoy a deliciously healthy meal that everyone will love. Ready to impress?

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

Instructions

Boil a pot of salted water and cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion.

Add in the fresh basil leaves, crumbled feta cheese, and black olives if using.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until well coated.

Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.

Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large beautiful bowl garnished with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of feta on top for a fresh look. Alternatively, portion it into mason jars for a picnic or meal prep!