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–+ servings
Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

Zesty Summer Orzo Pasta Salad Bursting with Fresh Flavors

This Summer Orzo Pasta Salad is a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, perfect for warm days.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 373
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup orzo substitute with couscous or small shells if preferred
  • 1 cup diced red and orange bell peppers swap for yellow peppers or diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion green onions are a milder option
  • 1 cucumber zucchini can be an interesting substitute
  • 1 cup fresh corn or frozen, thawed
  • 1 cup halved tomatoes cherry tomatoes are a sweeter alternative
  • 1/4 cup basil parsley or mint can be used too
  • 1/4 cup green onions chives can be used or omit entirely
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese use nutritional yeast for vegetarian option
For the Lemon Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup olive oil can substitute with avocado oil
  • 1 lemon juice and zest lime juice can be used for a tropical twist
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard whole grain mustard can add texture
  • 1 clove garlic garlic powder can be used in a pinch
  • to taste salt adjust to your taste
  • to taste pepper adjust to your taste

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • large mixing bowl
  • colander
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo, cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, drain, and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine bell peppers, red onion, cucumber, corn, and tomatoes. Toss to mix.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add cooled orzo to the vegetables and pour over the dressing. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Serve immediately topped with Parmesan cheese, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 373kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 11gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 599mgPotassium: 417mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, keep dressing separate until just before serving to maintain crispness of vegetables.

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