Rainbow Orzo Salad Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing Rainbow Orzo Salad featuring tender orzo pasta tossed with crisp bell peppers, cool cucumber, fresh herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange for color)
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, or dill)
Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo pasta. Cook until al dente, according to package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo is cooking, dice the bell peppers and cucumber into small, even pieces. Chop the fresh herbs finely.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Toss the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, diced bell peppers, cucumber, and chopped herbs. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use a mix of colorful bell peppers for a vibrant salad.
- Herbs like parsley, basil, and dill complement the flavors well; feel free to mix or substitute.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Optional: Add feta cheese or olives for extra flavor.
- For a vegan option, ensure mustard and other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Keywords: rainbow orzo salad, orzo pasta salad, mediterranean salad, vegetarian salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad
Find it online: https://famdishes.com/rainbow-orzo-salad-recipe/
