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Refreshing Summer Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

Refreshing Summer Orzo Pasta Salad for Vibrant Gatherings

This delightful salad is not only bursting with fresh flavors but also incredibly simple to prepare. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a picnic at the park, or a casual family dinner, this salad is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced any color
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting Board and Knife
  • Spoon or Tongs

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it under cold water. This step stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down, making it perfect for a salad.
  3. Step 3: While the orzo is cooling, prepare your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. Place all the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
  4. Step 4: Add the crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped basil to the bowl with the vegetables.
  5. Step 5: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  6. Step 6: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together using tongs or a spoon until well combined.
  7. Step 7: For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

This salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight.