Summer Orzo Salad
Summer Orzo Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for warm-weather gatherings. It combines tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make and blend into your summer menus. This salad brings together light flavors that are both satisfying and nourishing.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is ideal for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish or as a main course, making it suitable for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. Additionally, the vibrant ingredients offer a beautiful array of colors that make the dish visually appealing. The combination of fresh veggies, herbs, and feta cheese adds a punch of flavor that’s sure to delight everyone at the table. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can be made in advance, giving you more time to enjoy the sunshine!
How to Make Summer Orzo Salad
Making Summer Orzo Salad is a breeze! Here’s how to put it together.
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 orzo according to package instructions.
- Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, corn, red onion, feta, basil, and parsley.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
How to Serve Summer Orzo Salad
Summer Orzo Salad is best served chilled. You can scoop it into a big bowl for sharing or divide it into small individual servings. It makes a great dish alongside grilled meats, fish, or other summer favorites. Don’t forget to garnish with extra herbs or feta for a lovely finishing touch!
How to Store Summer Orzo Salad
To store any leftover salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be aware that the texture might change slightly as the dressing will soften the ingredients over time, but it will still taste delicious!
Tips to Make Summer Orzo Salad
- Cook the Orzo Al Dente: Make sure not to overcook the orzo, as it will continue to soften while it cools.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to include more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to pack in even more nutrients.
- Make it Ahead: This salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate until right before serving to keep everything crisp.
Variation
You can customize this orzo salad in many ways. Use quinoa instead of orzo for a gluten-free option, or swap feta cheese for goat cheese. You could also add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn it into a more filling meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes such as couscous, farro, or even rice.
2. How can I make this salad vegan?
To make the salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based version.
3. Can I freeze Summer Orzo Salad?
It is not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the ingredients can change when thawed. It is best enjoyed fresh!
