Go Back

Cold Orzo Pasta Salad with Herb Dressing

A refreshing cold pasta salad made with orzo, colorful vegetables, and a zesty herb dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 475

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup orzo pasta Use high-quality or whole grain for best results.
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water Broth adds extra flavor.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Adds freshness.
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped Enhances flavor.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Can be substituted with apple cider vinegar.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Essential for flavor enhancement.

Method
 

Cooking the Orzo
  1. Boil 2 cups of vegetable broth or water in a pot. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  2. Once cooked, drain and rinse the orzo under cold water to halt the cooking process.
Preparing the Vegetables
  1. In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, and basil.
Whisking the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Once the orzo has cooled, add it to the veggie mixture in the large bowl. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently to combine.
Chilling the Salad
  1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad into an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Serving the Salad
  1. Once chilled, serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter.

Notes

The salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Freezing is not recommended, but leftover orzo can be frozen separately for up to 3 months.