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Fresh summer orzo pasta salad with vegetables and herbs

Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

A vibrant mix of orzo pasta and fresh vegetables, dressed with tangy lemon and herbs, perfect for summer picnics and gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo Choose a high-quality brand, ideally made from durum wheat.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1.5 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup tomatoes, diced
  • 0.25 cup basil, chopped
  • 0.25 cup green onion, chopped
For the Dressing
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 1 whole lemon, juiced and zested
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Method
 

Cooking the Orzo
  1. Begin by bringing a medium pot of water to a roaring boil. Generously salt the water—a pinch is just not enough! Pour in the orzo and cook per package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
Preparing the Vegetables
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced bell peppers, red onion, cucumber, corn, tomatoes, basil, and green onions. As you mix, savor the vibrant colors and fresh scents wafting up.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Combining Everything
  1. Pour the cooked orzo into the vegetable bowl and drizzle with the dressing. Toss gently to ensure every ingredient is well coated in that zesty dressing.
Serving the Salad
  1. Enjoy the salad immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or store it in the fridge for up to 4 days for a refreshing grab-and-go meal.

Notes

For a nutrient boost, consider adding cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken. Choose whole grain orzo for increased fiber. Nutritional yeast can serve as a vegan cheese substitute.