This Orzo Pasta Salad is both easy to make and incredibly delicious. One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility and simplicity.
The combination of tender orzo pasta with crisp vegetables, briny Kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and tangy feta cheese creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures. The homemade dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and Dijon mustard, adds a zesty and aromatic touch that ties everything together beautifully.
What’s particularly great about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily customize it based on your preferences and what’s available in your pantry or refrigerator. Add additional vegetables like bell peppers or artichoke hearts, swap the feta cheese for goat cheese or omit it altogether for a vegan version, or incorporate protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
Moreover, this Orzo Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep or entertaining. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify over time. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, potluck, or enjoying it as a light lunch or dinner, this Orzo Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Side Dish: Serve the orzo pasta salad alongside grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or fish for a complete and satisfying meal. It pairs well with a variety of proteins and adds a refreshing touch to any main course.
- Picnics and Potlucks: Pack the orzo pasta salad in a portable container and bring it to picnics, potlucks, or outdoor gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or alongside other picnic favorites.
- Lunchbox Meal: Portion the orzo pasta salad into individual containers and pack it for lunch. It makes a delicious and filling meal that can be enjoyed at work, school, or on the go. Add some protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas for an extra boost of energy.
- Light Main Course: Enjoy the orzo pasta salad as a light main course on its own. Add some crusty bread or garlic breadsticks on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Buffet or Salad Bar: Set up a buffet or salad bar with a variety of toppings and dressings, including the orzo pasta salad. Let guests customize their salads by adding their favorite ingredients such as grilled vegetables, avocado, or extra cheese.
- Garnish: Garnish the orzo pasta salad with additional fresh herbs such as basil or parsley before serving for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
These serving suggestions offer a variety of ways to enjoy this versatile and delicious Orzo Pasta Salad. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, main course, or part of a buffet spread, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike!
Cooking tips to ensure your Orzo Pasta Salad turns out perfectly
- Cook Orzo Al Dente: Be careful not to overcook the orzo pasta. Cook it just until al dente according to the package instructions. Overcooking can result in mushy pasta, which is not ideal for salads.
- Rinse Pasta with Cold Water: After cooking the orzo, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together. This also helps cool down the pasta quickly, making it ready to use in the salad.
- Prep Vegetables Uniformly: Chop the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even distribution throughout the salad. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures each bite contains a variety of flavors and textures.
- Adjust Dressing to Taste: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add more vinegar or lemon juice. For a creamier texture, increase the amount of olive oil.
- Mix Salad Gently: When mixing the orzo pasta salad with the dressing and other ingredients, do so gently to avoid breaking apart the pasta or bruising the vegetables. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss the salad ingredients together lightly until evenly coated.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, refrigerate the orzo pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This also ensures the salad is served cold and refreshing.
- Garnish Before Serving: Add any optional ingredients or garnishes, such as crumbled feta cheese or fresh herbs, just before serving. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from becoming soggy if added too early.
- Store Properly: Store any leftover orzo pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Stir well before serving leftovers, as the dressing may settle at the bottom of the container.
By following these cooking tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and perfectly balanced Orzo Pasta Salad that’s sure to impress!
Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber diced
- ½ red onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives pitted and sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese optional
- For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo:In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Vegetables:While the orzo is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, slice the Kalamata olives, and chop the fresh parsley and basil. Add all the prepared vegetables to the bowl with the cooked orzo.
- Make the Dressing:In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad:Pour the dressing over the orzo and vegetables in the mixing bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Optional Ingredients:If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and gently toss to incorporate.
- Chill and Serve:Cover the orzo pasta salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light main course.
- Enjoy!Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve the orzo pasta salad alongside grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a picnic or potluck spread. It's perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!