This Easy Orzo Salad is a bright and tasty dish packed with fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. It’s light, colorful, and perfect for any meal!
It’s super easy to whip up, too! I love making it for picnics because it tastes even better after it chills. Plus, who doesn’t love a bowl of sunshine? ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta looks like rice and cooks quickly. If you can’t find orzo, smaller pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa work well as substitutes.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are convenient, but you could use cooked lentils or black beans for a different texture and flavor. Both options are nutritious!
Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. If out of season, try using sun-dried tomatoes or even diced bell peppers for a fresh crunch.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and basil enhance the salad’s flavor. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs like Italian seasoning can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best!
How Do I Cook Orzo Perfectly?
Cooking orzo is simple, but you want to ensure it’s not overdone. Here are some helpful tips:
- Start with a large pot of salted water. This helps to flavor the pasta as it cooks.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time, as orzo can go from perfect to mushy quite quickly—aim for al dente, where it’s tender but still has a slight bite.
- After draining, remember to rinse with cold water. This keeps it from cooking further and helps the orzo cool down quickly.
With these tips, your orzo should turn out perfectly every time!
Feel free to enjoy this delightful salad as a side or a light main dish!
Easy Orzo Salad with Fresh Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (mix of red and yellow if possible)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced
Herbs and Dressing:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy orzo salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to chill. So, in total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes to enjoy a delicious, refreshing salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Orzo:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes until it’s al dente (not too soft!).
2. Draining the Orzo:
Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop it from cooking further. Make sure it’s well drained.
3. Mixing the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and sliced green onions. Toss everything together gently to mix well.
4. Preparing the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This will be the delicious dressing for your salad!
5. Combining Dressing with Salad:
Now, pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss it gently again until everything is well coated with the dressing.
6. Tasting and Adjusting:
Take a moment to taste your salad. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.
7. Chilling the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
8. Serving Your Salad:
When ready to serve, you can garnish your orzo salad with lemon slices if you’d like. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your fresh and vibrant creation!
Enjoy your fresh and easy orzo salad!
FAQ for Easy Orzo Salad with Fresh Veggies
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare it up to 2 days ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will taste even better as the flavors develop!
How Do I Store Leftover Orzo Salad?
Leftover orzo salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle.
What Can I Substitute for Chickpeas?
If you’re not a fan of chickpeas, or if you don’t have any on hand, you can easily substitute them with drained and rinsed canned beans like black beans or cannellini beans, or even cooked lentils for a different flavor!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add more veggies based on your preferences or what you have in your kitchen. Bell peppers, olives, or spinach would all make excellent additions to this salad.
