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Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

Refreshing Summer Orzo Pasta Salad for Vibrant Gatherings

Try this Summer Orzo Pasta Salad for a fresh and colorful addition to your gatherings, featuring vibrant vegetables and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium orange bell pepper diced
  • 1 small red onion diced
  • 1 large cucumber chopped
  • 1 cup corn fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup basil fresh, chopped
  • 2 stalks green onions sliced
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated, optional
For the Lemon Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 large lemon juiced and zested
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1 clove garlic minced

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until tender but al dente. Drain and let cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine diced red and orange bell peppers, chopped cucumber, corn, tomatoes, and green onions. Toss gently to mix.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  4. Add cooled orzo to the vegetable mix. Pour the vinaigrette over and gently toss everything to coat evenly.
  5. Serve immediately topped with Parmesan cheese or chill for 30 minutes to enhance flavors. Best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best taste, keep dressing separate until ready to serve.

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