YaYa’s Orzo Pasta Salad
This Orzo Pasta Salad is a colorful and refreshing dish that shines at any picnic, potluck, or family dinner. The orzo pasta is light yet filling, and when tossed with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a bright homemade dressing, it creates a perfect balance of flavors. Serve it chilled for a crisp, crunchy side dish or enjoy it as a light main meal during warm weather.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 orange bell pepper diced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped red or white onion optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled, about 1 minute.
- While the pasta cooks, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey and garlic, in a small bowl until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place cooled orzo in a large bowl. Add tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and onion.
- Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- If the pasta dries out after chilling, drizzle with a little olive oil and stir.
Yaya’s Tips for Success
A good pasta salad depends on balance. The orzo should not be mushy, the vegetables need to stay crisp, and the dressing should tie everything together without being too heavy.
- Cook orzo just to al dente so it holds up when mixed.
- Rinse with cold water right after draining to stop cooking.
- Chop vegetables evenly so every bite has a little of everything.
- Make ahead a few hours to let flavors blend but freshen with a drizzle of olive oil if serving later.
Yaya’s Customization Ideas
This salad is versatile and can be adjusted for your family’s tastes. You can swap out vegetables for whatever is in season or add protein to make it a full meal.
- Try grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes in place of cherry.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for extra protein.
- Replace basil with fresh parsley or dill for a new flavor twist.
- For a Mediterranean flair, add Kalamata olives.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like my Cucumber Salad or Apple Chicken Salad, both refreshing dishes that are perfect for warmer weather.
Yaya’s Original Recipe Card
