Rainbow Orzo Salad Recipe
This vibrant Rainbow Orzo Salad is a refreshing and colorful Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Featuring tender orzo pasta tossed with fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal recipe for warm weather or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 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
Salad
- 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
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Dressing: While the orzo cooks, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified. Alternatively, place all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Set aside.
- Cool the Pasta: Drain the cooked orzo and rinse it under cold water for about one minute or until cooled. This stops the cooking process and prevents sticking. Transfer the cooled orzo to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the quartered cherry tomatoes, diced orange and yellow bell peppers, diced cucumber, chopped red onion (if using), crumbled feta cheese, and sliced fresh basil to the bowl with the orzo. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Dress and Season: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss again to ensure everything is coated well. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve or Store: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The salad keeps well for up to 2 days and is perfect for meal prep or picnics. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Feel free to add other fresh vegetables such as chopped spinach or olives for added flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the lemon juice or red wine vinegar slightly.
- Make sure to rinse the orzo pasta in cold water to prevent it from sticking and to cool it down for the salad.
- This salad is best enjoyed within 2 days of preparation to maintain the freshness of the vegetables and herbs.
Keywords: Rainbow Orzo Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Pasta Salad, Healthy Lunch, Vegetarian Recipe, Easy Salad Recipe
Find it online: https://reemcook.com/rainbow-orzo-salad-recipe/
