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Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

Refreshing Summer Orzo Pasta Salad for Easy Warm Days

Enjoy a vibrant Summer Orzo Pasta Salad that combines fresh vegetables and a zesty vinaigrette, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 49 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo or ditalini or quinoa for gluten-free option
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper diced
  • 1 medium Orange Bell Pepper diced
  • 0.5 medium Red Onion chopped
  • 1 medium Cucumber diced
  • 1 cup Corn fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup Tomatoes halved cherry tomatoes
  • 0.25 cup Basil chopped fresh
  • 0.5 cup Green Onion sliced
For the Dressing
  • 0.33 cup Olive Oil or avocado oil
  • 1 medium Lemon juice and zest
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 clove Garlic minced

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Cook the orzo in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced red bell pepper, diced orange bell pepper, chopped red onion, diced cucumber, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, and sliced green onions. Toss together.
  3. Add the cooled orzo to the vegetable mixture and gently toss to combine.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual bowls, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Customize with your favorite veggies or protein if desired.

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