Vegan Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Vegan Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is the ultimate plant-based dish for any occasion. Featuring tender orzo pasta tossed with vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny Kalamata olives, and tangy artichoke hearts, it’s a colorful celebration of Mediterranean ingredients. A zesty lemon-garlic dressing ties everything together, while fresh parsley and basil add an aromatic touch that elevates every bite. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect as a light lunch, crowd-pleasing side dish, or make-ahead meal for busy days. Packed with wholesome, vegan-friendly goodness, it’s the kind of salad that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to compromise on flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Orzo pasta
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium Cucumber
- 0.5 small Red onion
- 0.5 cup Kalamata olives
- 1 cup Artichoke hearts
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 7-9 minutes.
While the orzo is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and slice the Kalamata olives.
Drain and rinse the canned artichoke hearts, then roughly chop them.
Finely chop the fresh parsley and basil.
Once the orzo is cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to drain thoroughly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, artichoke hearts, parsley, and basil.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the orzo salad, and gently toss everything together until well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately if preferred.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2070 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 92.8 g | 119% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.7 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2733 mg | 119% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 276.9 g | 101% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.8 g | 135% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.0 g | ||
| Protein | 46.7 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 303 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 18.1 mg | 101% | |
| Potassium | 1415 mg | 30% | |
*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.
