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A colorful summer orzo salad with fresh vegetables and herbs in a bowl.

Proven way to grow 3-Star Orzo Salad (Summer)

This refreshing Orzo Salad is perfect for summer gatherings, featuring a delightful mix of pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 0.5 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 cup Kalamata olives, halved
Dressing
  • 0.33 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large bowl
  • small bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook orzo according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and halved Kalamata olives.
Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Combine and Serve
  1. Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
  2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld, then serve chilled.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to this salad. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.