Go Back
+ servings
Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

Fresh and Zesty Summer Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe to Brighten Your Day

Enjoy a refreshing Summer Orzo Pasta Salad, perfect for warm gatherings with colorful veggies and zesty vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo cooked al dente
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper diced
  • 1 medium Orange Bell Pepper diced
  • 1 small Red Onion thinly sliced
  • 1 medium Cucumber diced
  • 1 cup Corn fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup Tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup Basil chopped
  • 2 stalks Green Onion sliced
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice and zest
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
For Serving
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and cool slightly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced red and orange bell peppers, sliced red onion, chopped cucumber, corn, halved tomatoes, chopped basil, and sliced green onions.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Add the cooled orzo to the bowl with mixed vegetables. Drizzle with vinaigrette and gently toss to combine.
  5. Serve immediately, optionally topping with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed cold and can be made a day ahead. Add basil just before serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!