Description
The Best Orzo Pasta Salad is a delightful and vibrant dish that combines fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing for a refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads. Perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or as a light weeknight dinner, this salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also versatile enough to serve as a side or main dish. With each bite bursting with flavor and nutrition, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the fridge. Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad that’s both satisfying and healthy!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 small red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, optional, chopped
- 1/3 cup red apple vinegar
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled orzo with cucumber, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil, and parsley if using.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper, and olive oil until smooth.
- Pour dressing over salad mixture and stir gently to combine. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling/Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg