Tomato and Basil Orzo Salad
Bright, fresh, and undeniably satisfying, this Tomato and Basil Orzo Salad is the ultimate dish for warm-weather dining or anytime you're craving Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Tender orzo pasta is tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic fresh basil, and a zesty homemade dressing of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic. It’s a quick recipe that comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer picnics. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an optional touch of richness, or serve as is for a fresh and vibrant vegetarian side dish. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this pasta salad delights with its simplicity and balance of flavors, satisfying as both a light main or colorful accompaniment.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the orzo and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
While the orzo is cooling, halve the cherry tomatoes and roughly chop the fresh basil leaves. Mince the garlic clove.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Add the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil to the mixing bowl. Toss gently to combine and coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
If desired, sprinkle the salad with shredded Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This salad can be served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1734 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 63.0 g | 81% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.7 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 53 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 2032 mg | 88% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 240.3 g | 87% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.2 g | 72% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.2 g | ||
| Protein | 62.0 g | 124% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 830 mg | 64% | |
| Iron | 12.7 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 829 mg | 18% | |
*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.
