Orzo Pasta Salad is a delightful and healthy meal that combines the unique texture of orzo pasta with a variety of colorful vegetables and a tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress.
Orzo Pasta Salad
Why This Orzo Pasta Salad Is the Best
- Versatile Ingredients: The salad includes orzo pasta, kidney beans, diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley, making it vibrant and nutritious.
- Tangy Dressing: The dressing is a blend of mustard seeds and green dressing, adding a zesty and tangy flavor that complements the ingredients.
- Refreshing Lemon: A wedge of lemon on the side adds a refreshing and citrusy touch to the salad.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a picnic, attending a potluck, or looking for a refreshing and nutritious lunch option, Orzo Pasta Salad is the perfect choice. The combination of fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and orzo pasta makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
For Vinaigrette Dressing
- Olive Oil: Forms the base of the vinaigrette, adding a smooth richness and healthy fats.
- White Wine Vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to the vinaigrette, enhancing the salad’s flavors.
- Dijon Mustard: Emulsifies the dressing, adding a tangy depth and slight creaminess.
- Garlic: Adds a sharp, aromatic note, enriching the vinaigrette’s flavor.
- Dried Basil: Contributes herbaceous notes, complementing the fresh vegetables in the salad.
- Salt: Balances flavors in both the dressing and the salad, enhancing the overall taste.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to the vinaigrette, balancing the acidity of the vinegar.
For the Pasta Salad:
- Orzo Pasta: Forms the base, offering a tender, chewy texture that absorbs the vinaigrette well.
- Frozen Corn: Adds sweetness and crunch, providing a fresh contrast to the orzo.
- Red and Yellow Bell Peppers: Bring vibrant color and a juicy crunch, adding a fresh, sweet note.
- Roma Tomatoes: Add juiciness and a subtle acidity, complementing the pasta and dressing.
- Red Onion: Provides a sharp, slightly spicy flavor, enhancing the salad’s depth.
- Dried Cranberries: Add a tart sweetness, creating a delightful contrast with the savory ingredients.
- Fresh Chopped Parsley: Adds freshness and a bright, herbal note that ties the salad together.
Tips for Making the Best Orzo Pasta Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality vegetables and herbs.
- Cook Orzo Al Dente: Make sure to cook the orzo just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Generous Dressing: Toss the salad with plenty of dressing to ensure each bite is flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: Serve Orzo Pasta Salad with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
- With Grilled Chicken: Pair it with grilled chicken for a protein-packed lunch or dinner.
- With Fresh Fruit: Add a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
- With a Glass of Iced Tea: Enjoy a glass of iced tea to complement the light and refreshing flavors of the salad.
- With a Sprinkle of Feta: Add crumbled feta cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Orzo Pasta Salad. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Fresh, vibrant, and packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious pasta recipes!
Orzo Pasta Salad
This Orzo Pasta Salad is a vibrant blend of fresh and colorful ingredients, complemented by a tangy, slightly sweet vinaigrette. It’s a light yet satisfying dish, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side to a main meal!
Ingredients
Vinaigrette Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 Tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1/2 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1/2 Teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 Teaspoon salt
- 1 clove garlic minced
Pasta Salad
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 2 roma tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion
- 1/4 Teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the vinaigrette. In a medium bowl, whisk olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, basil, salt, and honey until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Next, cook the orzo pasta as directed on the package. During the final 3 minutes of cooking, add the frozen corn to the boiling water. Once done, drain both the pasta and corn in a colander, then rinse briefly with cool water to slightly chill the pasta.
- As the pasta cooks, get the veggies ready. Dice the bell peppers and tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, measure the dried cranberries, and chop the parsley.
- Once the pasta and corn are drained, transfer them to a large bowl. Add in the diced vegetables, chopped parsley, and dried cranberries.
- Give the vinaigrette a quick stir, then pour it over the pasta salad. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing. Serve right away or refrigerate until you’re ready to enjoy.
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Orzo Pasta Salad