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.
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword orzo pasta salad, summer side dish, cold pasta salad, picnic recipes, feta pasta salad, easy salad recipes
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 10 minutesminutes
Servings 6Servings
Calories 205kcal
Ingredients
Dressing
1/4cupextra virgin olive oil
2tablespoonsred wine vinegar
1tablespoonlemon juice
1teaspoonhoney
1clovegarlicminced
1/2teaspoonItalian seasoning
Salt and pepperto taste
Salad
1 1/2cupsorzo pasta
1/2 cupchopped carrots
1cupcherry tomatoesquartered
1cupdiced cucumber
1/2orange bell pepperdiced
1/2yellow bell pepperdiced
Salt and pepperto taste
1/4cupchopped red or white onionoptional
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.