This vibrant Rainbow Orzo Salad is a treat for your eyes and taste buds! With colorful veggies, tender orzo, and a zesty dressing, it’s perfect for sunny days.
It’s like a party in a bowl, and who doesn’t love that? I like to whip this up for picnics, and it’s a hit every time. Plus, it’s a breeze to make! 🌈🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta is the star of the dish. If you need a gluten-free option, try using quinoa or a gluten-free pasta alternative, which will keep the texture light and fun!
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh halved cherry tomatoes provide a juicy burst in every bite. You can replace them with grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand.
Cucumber: Cool and crisp, cucumber adds a refreshing crunch. If you’re not a fan, consider using zucchini or even diced avocado for a creamier texture.
Bell Peppers: The yellow and orange peppers add sweetness and color. Feel free to mix it up with red or even green peppers for a different flavor profile.
Basil: Fresh basil adds a lovely aromatic touch. If you can’t find fresh, dried basil can work, but use just half the amount since dried is more potent.
Feta Cheese: This cheese adds a salty and creamy element to the salad. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, consider using a plant-based feta or leave it out entirely.
How Do You Make Sure the Orzo Isn’t Sticky?
A common challenge when cooking pasta, particularly orzo, is preventing it from becoming sticky. Here are some tips to help:
- Use plenty of salted water when boiling the orzo; this helps flavor the pasta too.
- Don’t overcook it! Aim for al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite.
- After draining, rinse the orzo under cold water. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, preventing stickiness.
- Drizzle a little olive oil on the orzo after rinsing, and toss it gently to keep it separated.
Healthy Rainbow Orzo Salad for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup orange bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Rainbow Orzo Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. Overall, you’ll be enjoying this colorful dish in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Orzo:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 7-9 minutes. After cooking, drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set it aside for later.
2. Mix the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, yellow and orange bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, and fresh basil. This colorful mixture will make your salad vibrant and delicious!
3. Combine Orzo and Vegetables:
Once your orzo is cool, add it to the bowl with the colorful veggies. It’s looking good already!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This dressing will tie everything together perfectly!
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the orzo and veggie mix. Gently toss everything together to combine all the flavors.
6. Add Feta Cheese:
Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese. This adds a lovely creamy element to your salad.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your salad. You can always add a touch more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences!
8. Chill the Salad:
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your Healthy Rainbow Orzo Salad cold or at room temperature as a delightful summer side dish or light main course. Enjoy the freshness! 🌈🥗
This colorful and healthy orzo salad is fresh, crisp, and bursting with vibrant flavors—perfect for summer!
FAQ for Healthy Rainbow Orzo Salad
Can I Use Whole Wheat Orzo Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo is a great substitute and adds extra fiber to your salad. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly from regular orzo.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the flavors may settle.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just hold off on adding the feta cheese until you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh and crumbly!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
The beauty of this salad is its versatility! Feel free to add or replace veggies like zucchini, carrots, or even a handful of spinach for added greens. It’s all about what you love!
