This Orzo Salad is a bright and tasty dish made with tender orzo pasta, colorful veggies, and a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for lunch or a picnic!
To be honest, I love how easy it is to throw together. Just cook the orzo, chop some veggies, mix, and you’re ready to enjoy a bowl of yum! 🌼
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta is perfect for salads. If you can’t find orzo, substitutes like quinoa, couscous, or even small pasta shapes like ditalini work well too.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas make this dish hearty. You could swap them for other beans like black beans or kidney beans, or even add grilled chicken for extra protein.
Cherry Tomatoes: They bring sweetness and color. Feel free to use regular tomatoes, just chop them smaller, or try roasted tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
Cucumber: Crunchy and refreshing! If cucumbers aren’t available, you can substitute with zucchini or bell peppers for a different texture.
Red Onion: It adds a sharp bite. You can use green onions for a milder flavor, or even substitute with finely chopped shallots.
Feta Cheese: This adds a creamy tang. If you want a dairy-free option, try avocado or skipping cheese altogether.
How Do I Cook Orzo Perfectly for Salads?
Cooking orzo is simple, but it’s key to a great salad. Start by boiling a pot of salted water, just like pasta. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Check for doneness by tasting a piece; it should be al dente, firm but tender.
- Once ready, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking. This keeps it from getting mushy in your salad.
- Let it cool completely before adding it to your other salad ingredients.
How to Make Orzo Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Feta cheese, crumbled (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Orzo Salad takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 8-10 minutes to cook the pasta. If you prefer chilling it, set aside an extra 30 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors blend. Overall, it’s about a 20-minute dish, plus chill time for maximum tastiness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Orzo:
Begin by cooking the orzo pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once it’s cooked, drain it and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set the orzo aside to cool completely while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, fresh parsley, and sliced green onions. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together nicely.
3. Add the Orzo:
Once the orzo is cool, add it to the bowl with the vegetable mixture. This will create a colorful and hearty salad base.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This will be the dressing that brings all those delicious flavors together!
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together so that the orzo and veggies are evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Now’s the time to taste your salad! If you think it needs a touch more flavor, feel free to add extra salt, pepper, or even a little more lemon juice to suit your taste.
7. Add Feta (Optional):
If you’re a fan of feta, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad before serving. It adds a nice salty flavor that complements the salad beautifully!
8. Serve or Chill:
You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh and vibrant dish, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps all the flavors meld even better, making it even tastier!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta Instead of Orzo?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like quinoa, couscous, or ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian or Vegan?
This salad is already vegetarian, but to keep it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. Otherwise, the recipe is perfect as is for a vegan take!
How to Store Leftover Orzo Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You may want to add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving if it seems a bit dry after chilling!
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Substitutions?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or avocado. You can also use different herbs such as cilantro or basil for a twist. Just keep the ratios similar for balance.
