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Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe – This light and refreshing orzo pasta salad is the perfect summer lunch. It’s quick and easy to make, and it’s also vegetarian, so everyone can enjoy it on its own, or as a fabulous side for a potluck, a picnic, or a party! The combination of orzo, capers, bell peppers, cheese, and a light but flavorful olive oil and lemon dressing makes this orzo pasta salad a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal everyone will love!
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Ingredients list for the orzo pasta salad recipe
- 1 1/2 cup orzo
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 6 oz mild white cheddar, cut into small cubes (or mozzarella, swiss…)
- 3/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic (optional)
- 1 orange or red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons capers + 1 tablespoon caper water from the jar
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Directions
1. To make the orzo pasta salad: Cook pasta according to package directions, in boiling salted water. Drain the orzo and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking. Arrange all the salad ingredients in a large salad bowl.
2. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, and a little caper water in a jar, then pour over the orzo salad.
3. Toss all ingredients together! Chill the orzo pasta salad before serving. Enjoy! ❤️
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Tips for the Orzo pasta salad recipe
- You can add any ingredients you like to the orzo pasta salad: diced cucumber, zucchini, red onion, shallot…
- If you do not like fresh garlic, just scrap it from the ingredients list.
- You can add any protein you like: rotisserie chicken, cooked shrimp…
What pasta can we substitute for orzo?
If you don’t have orzo at hand or would like to try something else, try these substitutes for the pasta salad:
- Ditalini pasta
- Stelline pasta
- Macaroni
- Broken spaghetti
How to keep orzo pasta salad leftovers
You can keep any orzo pasta salad leftovers in your refrigerator for 2 or 3 days. The more you keep it, the better it tastes.
More pasta salad recipes
- 10 Healthy Pasta Salad Ideas
- Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil
- Corn Pasta Salad with Ham and Creamy Dressing
- Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad with Creamy Ranch Dressing
- Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
