Orzo Pea and Pepper Salad
Bright, zesty, and bursting with vibrant colors, this Orzo Pea and Pepper Salad is the perfect side dish or light meal for any occasion. Featuring tender orzo pasta, crisp red and yellow bell peppers, sweet peas, and a refreshing lemon-olive oil dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Fresh parsley adds a herbal twist, while optional crumbled feta cheese lends a creamy, tangy touch. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, picnics, or potlucks. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying. Keywords: orzo salad, summer recipe, easy pasta salad, healthy side dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.5 cup feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
Bring a medium pot of salted water to boil.
Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, dice the red bell pepper and yellow bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper to make the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, frozen peas (they'll thaw in the salad), diced bell peppers, chopped parsley, and feta cheese if using.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed, with additional salt or lemon juice.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1622 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.8 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.3 g | 122% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 107 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 2552 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 199.5 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.5 g | 84% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.8 g | ||
| Protein | 54.3 g | 109% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 707 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 11.9 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 1218 mg | 26% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
