Orzo Summer Pasta Salad
This delicious flavorful Orzo Summer Pasta Salad is packed with summer vegetables. It’s perfect for summer picnics and barbecues!
We are in the midst of pasta salad season! All summer long, I find myself throwing together pasta salads for family picnics, barbecues, and light lunches.
While I love a classic pasta salad, I do like to try to new ideas. There really isn’t a lot involved when making a pasta salad. You can tailor them to your likings and add in all the veggies you love. Pasta salads are a great way to use up those veggies from your garden or local farmer’s market.
Summer is the perfect time to indulge in light and refreshing meals that celebrate the abundance of fresh produce. One dish that captures the essence of the season is the summer orzo pasta salad.
Bursting with vibrant colors, crisp vegetables, and zesty flavors, this salad is a delightful addition to any summer gathering or a satisfying meal on its own.
The star of the summer orzo pasta salad is, of course, the orzo pasta. Its petite size and delicate texture provide a perfect canvas for absorbing the flavors of the ingredients. To create a refreshing twist, add a medley of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onions.
These vibrant vegetables bring a pop of color and a satisfying crunch to the salad. To enhance the flavors further, consider incorporating briny Kalamata olives or tangy feta cheese for a touch of creaminess and saltiness. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a burst of freshness, while a squeeze of lemon juice elevates the tangy notes of the dressing.
One of the great aspects of the summer orzo pasta salad is its versatility. You can personalize the salad by incorporating additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables can be added to make it a heartier meal. For those seeking a vegetarian or vegan option, swap the feta cheese for a plant-based alternative or omit it altogether.
You can also experiment with different herbs, such as cilantro or mint, to create unique flavor profiles. The salad can be enjoyed as a side dish at picnics or barbecues, or it can be served as a light and refreshing main course on hot summer days. It’s a perfect dish for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it for lunch throughout the week.
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IT’S SUPER EASY TO MAKE ORZO SUMMER PASTA SALAD!
Orzo Summer Pasta Salad
You don’t need any special kitchen equipment to make Orzo Summer Pasta Salad so there’s no excuse not to make it right now!
Glass mixing bowl with lid: You’ll need a large mixing bowl to mix your pasta salad. Use the largest bowl you have. The last thing you want is all your ingredients flying out of the bowl while you mix it! I also like to use a bowl with a lid. I can serve and store my pasta salad in the same bowl saving me dishes to wash!
Lemon Juicer: While you don’t need a juicer (you can literally squeeze the lemons!), a juicer does make the process easier! It also saves you from having to pick out the seeds!
NOW THAT YOU HAVE YOUR COOKING ESSENTIALS, YOU ARE READY TO MAKE THIS ORZO SUMMER PASTA SALAD!
Orzo Summer Pasta Salad
This delicious flavorful Orzo Summer Pasta Salad is packed with summer vegetables. It's perfect for summer picnics and barbecues!
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest
- 3 tbs lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tbs Thrive Algae Oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp honey
Salad
- 3/4 cup orzo, uncooked
- 1/2 cup yellow pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes , halved
- 3 tbs Thrive Algae Oil
- salt & pepper , to taste
- 1/2 cup mozzarella, cubed
- 1/3 cup basil, ribboned
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain and place in a large bowl.
- Toss the corn, chopped red pepper, & chopped zucchini with olive oil and salt and pepper on a tray. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping every 7-8 minutes in the preheated oven. (Cook until crisp tender).
- Remove and allow to cool.
- To make the dressing, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, Thrive Algae Oil, salt, garlic, honey, and roasted vegetable drippings. Whisk until well combined.
- Toss completely cooled vegetables, completely cooled pasta, cubed mozzarella, and ribboned basil with the dressing and chill in the fridge until ready to enjoy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
The summer orzo pasta salad is a celebration of seasonal flavors, vibrant colors, and refreshing textures. With its zesty dressing, crisp vegetables, and customizable ingredients, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply looking for a light and satisfying meal, this salad is sure to impress.
Embrace the season and let the summer orzo pasta salad become a staple on your dining table. With every forkful, you’ll be transported to a world of freshness and delight, savoring the best that summer has to offer.
