Summer Orzo Salad
Bright, fresh, and bursting with summer flavors, this Summer Orzo Salad is the ultimate warm-weather dish that doubles as a crowd-pleasing side or a light meal. Featuring tender orzo pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and vibrant red bell pepper, this recipe is a celebration of seasonal produce. Tossed in a zesty homemade lemon and olive oil dressing with a touch of honey sweetness, every bite is balanced and refreshing. Creamy crumbled feta cheese, fragrant basil, and parsley add layers of Mediterranean flair while making this salad irresistibly flavorful. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch. Serve it chilled for a cooling treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 large cucumber
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 0.5 cup red onion
- 0.75 cup feta cheese
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley
- 0.25 cup fresh basil
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
While the orzo cools, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. Add them all to a large mixing bowl.
Chop the fresh parsley and basil, and crumble the feta cheese. Add them to the bowl with the vegetables.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Add the cooled orzo pasta to the mixing bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve cold or at room temperature. Garnish with additional basil or feta cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.3 g | 112% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.3 g | 116% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 100 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 1322 mg | 57% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 267.9 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.4 g | 91% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.4 g | ||
| Protein | 60.6 g | 121% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 749 mg | 58% | |
| Iron | 15.2 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 1806 mg | 38% | |
*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.
