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A vibrant Rainbow Orzo Salad on a white plate, presented in a cozy home kitchen setting with wooden surfaces and natural sunlight, highlighting the colorful vegetables and fresh herbs.

Rainbow Orzo Salad

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Discover the irresistible charm of this Rainbow Orzo Salad, a colorful and delicious vegetarian side dish that combines perfectly cooked orzo pasta with fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for summer gatherings or nutritional lunches, its vibrant hues and refreshing flavors make it a standout addition to any meal.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup of orzo pasta
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup of diced cucumbers
  • 1/2 cup of finely chopped red bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup of shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup of red onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the orzo pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
  2. Prep the vegetables by halving the cherry tomatoes, dicing the cucumbers, and finely chopping the red bell peppers, carrots, and red onions. Chop fresh parsley and basil.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo with all the prepared vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then toss gently.
  4. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley and basil. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for a refreshing taste.

Notes

  • Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Add a sprinkle of feta cheese or toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and texture.
  • To maintain vibrant colors, keep the chopped vegetables chilled before mixing.
  • For gluten-free options, replace orzo with quinoa or rice pasta.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 210 Kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg