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Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

Delicious Summer Orzo Pasta Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

A vibrant Summer Orzo Pasta Salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups Orzo prepared according to package instructions
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper diced
  • 1 medium Orange Bell Pepper diced
  • 1 small Red Onion diced
  • 1 medium Cucumber diced
  • 1 cup Corn fresh or frozen, thawed
  • 1 cup Tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup Basil chopped fresh
  • 2 stalks Green Onions sliced
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil extra virgin preferred
  • 1 each Lemon juiced and zested
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
Optional Additions
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese for topping

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 over high heat. Once boiling, add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced red and orange bell peppers, chopped red onion, cucumber, corn, halved tomatoes, chopped basil, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to mix.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  4. Add the cooled orzo to the vegetable mixture. Drizzle with the dressing and toss everything together until fully coated.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature, optionally topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If made ahead, cover and refrigerate for up to four days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Fresh basil should be added just before serving for optimal flavor. Adjust seasoning in the dressing to taste.

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