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Rainbow Orzo Salad

Rainbow Orzo Salad

A vibrant, refreshing, and healthy orzo pasta salad packed with colorful vegetables, tangy lemon dressing, and fresh herbs. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved
  • 1 cup Cucumber Diced
  • 1 cup Bell pepper (yellow or orange) Diced
  • 1/2 cup Red onion Finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Feta cheese Crumbled
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley Chopped
For the Lemon Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice About 2 lemons
  • 1 clove Garlic Minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the orzo pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. While the orzo cooks, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion.
  4. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  6. For best flavor, cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

For added protein, consider adding 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken or drained chickpeas. This salad is excellent made a day ahead.
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