Summer Orzo Salad
Introduction
Summer Orzo Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that captures the essence of summer. It combines delightful ingredients like orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta cheese, making it perfect for picnics, BBQs, or light lunches. This salad is not only tasty but also quick and easy to prepare.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Summer Orzo Salad because it is healthy, vibrant, and satisfying! It is a great way to use up fresh summer produce, and the flavors blend beautifully. This recipe is also flexible, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients or adjust it based on what you have on hand. Plus, it is ideal for meal prep, serving a crowd, or enjoying as leftovers.
How to Make Summer Orzo Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh or frozen and thawed)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. Set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, corn, red onion, feta, basil, and parsley.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill the salad for 15–30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.
How to Serve Summer Orzo Salad
Serve Summer Orzo Salad in a big bowl or individual plates. Garnish it with extra herbs or feta for a pop of color. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
How to Store Summer Orzo Salad
You can store the Summer Orzo Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the flavors may meld and become even better after a day!
Tips to Make Summer Orzo Salad
- Make sure to rinse the orzo with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, olives, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the dressing ingredients to your taste; add more lemon if you like it tangy!
Variation
For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the salad. You can also swap out the feta for goat cheese or leave it out for a dairy-free option.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Just remember to keep it in the refrigerator and serve it chilled.
2. Is it okay to use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular orzo with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
3. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, using frozen corn is perfectly fine. Just make sure it’s thawed before adding it to the salad.
