Go Back
+ servings
Easy Orzo Pasta Salad

Refreshing Easy Orzo Pasta Salad for Quick Summer Meals

Discover this Easy Orzo Pasta Salad, a vibrant dish perfect for summer with fresh herbs and a zesty lemon dressing.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Dried Orzo Pasta This serves as the foundation of our easy orzo salad
  • 1 medium English Cucumber Adds a refreshing crunch
  • 1 cup Tomato Offers juiciness and vibrant color
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Herbs Mix of parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, and mint
  • 1/2 cup Pitted Olives Can use black olives for a milder flavor
  • 1 can Artichoke Hearts Provides depth and a distinctive flavor
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Offers healthy fats and richness
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Adds tanginess
  • 1 tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup Adds a hint of sweetness
  • 1 medium Lemon Zest and Juice Brightens the entire salad
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning
  • to taste Fresh Ground Black Pepper Essential for seasoning

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente, about 6-10 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey/maple syrup, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the drained orzo to the dressing and stir to coat. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. Fold in diced cucumber, chopped tomatoes, fresh herbs, olives, and artichoke hearts.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm or chill for one hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best flavor, add watery vegetables just before serving. Adjust lemon juice for desired tartness. Refrigerate before serving for enhanced flavors.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!