orzo pasta salad recipe

Orzo pasta salad is a delicious and simple dish that can make any meal special. This dish is packed with flavor, and the combination of vegetables, herbs, and cheese make it a great choice for a light lunch or side dish. In this recipe, we use orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs to make a tasty and healthy salad. This dish is also easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup olives, halved
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
3. Drain the orzo and rinse with cold water.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
7. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Tips and Tricks

• If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs instead. Use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.
• If you’d like to add some protein to the salad, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
• For a vegan version of this salad, you can use vegan feta cheese or omit it altogether.
• For a spicier salad, you can add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
• This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does orzo pasta salad last?

Orzo pasta salad will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or salmon to the salad for extra protein.

Is this salad vegan?

Yes, you can use vegan feta cheese or omit it altogether to make a vegan version of this salad.

Can I make this salad spicier?

Yes, you can add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier salad.

Is this salad best served cold or hot?

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.