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Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

A vibrant, refreshing, and fulfilling orzo pasta salad bursting with flavors, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups orzo pasta Can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free orzo.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced Zucchini can be used for a different texture.
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped Red or yellow adds sweetness.
  • 0.5 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels Fresh, frozen, or grilled can be used.
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled Omit for vegan options.
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 1 Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Cooking the Orzo
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Preparing the Vegetables
  1. While the orzo is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and any other vegetables you like.
Mixing the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, chopped vegetables, corn, feta cheese, and fresh basil. Pour the dressing over and mix well to ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.
Adjusting the Flavor
  1. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sometimes a little extra lemon juice brings everything together.
Chilling Before Serving
  1. For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. However, it’s just as satisfying served right away.

Notes

This salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it a perfect choice for meal prep. It lasts up to 3 days in the fridge, but the flavors improve the longer it sits.