Orzo Salad(Rice Shaped Pasta)
A vibrant, tangy orzo salad packed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and olives, perfect for light lunches, picnics, or as a side dish for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package instructions.
- Drain the sun-dried tomatoes and reserve 1 teaspoon of the oil.
- Chop 2 tablespoons of the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Combine the cooked orzo, chopped tomatoes, red pepper, green onions, parsley, and olives in a bowl.
- Toss lightly to mix all ingredients evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating some feta cheese or a handful of arugula into the salad. If you prefer a milder taste, substitute the olives with capers. You can also use quinoa instead of orzo for a gluten-free option. To enhance the dish, drizzle a bit of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This orzo salad is perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes and can be served alongside a refreshing Corn And Barley Salad for a complete meal. Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture. If you prefer it cold, enjoy it straight from the fridge as a refreshing lunch option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orzo Salad(Rice Shaped Pasta) contains roughly 77 calories, with 6g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (50% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this orzo salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container, and it will taste even better as the flavors meld together. For optimal freshness, add the olives just before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this orzo salad is entirely vegan as it contains no animal products. To enhance the salad, consider adding more vegetables or even chickpeas for extra protein.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile. Both options will add a nice sweetness and acidity to the salad.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).