DESCRIPTION OF COLOURFUL ORZO GARDEN SALAD
The Colourful Orzo Garden Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines tender orzo pasta with a medley of colourful vegetables and herbs. Drizzled with a zesty lemon herb dressing, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a healthy family dinner, this salad is packed with flavours and textures that everyone will enjoy.
RECIPE CATEGORY
- Entrée
SERVING SIZE
- Serves 8
CUISINE
- Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
- Boil, No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
- Summer, Picnic, Potluck
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
- Healthy, Vegan, Low Cholesterol
DISH TYPE
- Salad
INGREDIENTS FOR COLOURFUL ORZO GARDEN SALAD
Salad:
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 orange bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 English cucumber, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon Herb Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 200 per serving
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 5g
PREPARATION FOR COLOURFUL ORZO GARDEN SALAD
- Cook the orzo pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the chopped red and orange bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, corn, basil, and parsley.
- For the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo salad and toss well to combine.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld.
PREP TIME
- 20 minutes
COOKING TIME
- 10 minutes
TIPS FOR COLOURFUL ORZO GARDEN SALAD
- For the best flavour, let the salad sit for a few hours before serving.
- Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy texture and rich flavour.
VARIATIONS
- Mix in grilled chicken or shrimp to add protein and make it a complete meal.
- Substitute basil and parsley with mint for a refreshing twist.
PREPPING AND STORAGE GUIDE FOR COLOURFUL ORZO GARDEN SALAD
- This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep or as a go-to quick meal during the week.
This salad is your ticket to a refreshing, healthy, and easy meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Enjoy the burst of flavours from fresh vegetables paired with the tangy lemon herb dressing!