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Easy Orzo Pasta Salad

Easy Orzo Pasta Salad: Bright, Fresh, and Perfect for Summer

This Easy Orzo Pasta Salad combines tender orzo pasta with fresh veggies and herbs, making it a perfect summer dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 166

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Dried Orzo Pasta Substitute with ditalini if desired.
  • 1 medium English Cucumber Persian cucumbers can be used for a sweeter bite.
  • 1 cup Tomato or Cherry Tomatoes Halve cherry tomatoes for easier mixing.
  • 1 cup Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Cilantro, Basil, Dill, Mint) Use any mix based on what you have.
  • 1/2 cup Pitted Olives Choose green or black based on preference.
  • 1 cup Canned/Jarred Artichoke Hearts Roast red peppers can be a substitute.
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil High-quality oil enhances flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Omit if allergic or substitute with turmeric.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup Reduce or skip for a sugar-free version.
  • 1 large Lemon Zest Adjust to taste.
  • 1 large Lemon Juice Adjust to how tart you like it.
  • to taste Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper Essential for enhancing flavor.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dried orzo pasta and cook for 6 to 10 minutes until al dente.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Add the warm orzo to the dressing and stir gently. Fold in cucumbers, tomatoes, herbs, olives, and artichokes. Mix well.
  4. You can serve the salad warm or let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 166kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For optimal texture, make the salad a day in advance but store dressing separately. Tasting for seasoning before serving is recommended.

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