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Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

Zesty Summer Orzo Pasta Salad Ready in 30 Minutes

This Summer Orzo Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh side dish perfect for summer gatherings, ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo Provides the pasta base for the salad.
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Adds sweetness and crunch; substitute with yellow or orange if desired.
  • 1 cup Orange Bell Pepper Offers additional sweetness.
  • 1 small Red Onion Introduces sharpness; substitute with green onions if desired.
  • 1 cup Cucumber Contributes refreshing crunch; use seedless varieties.
  • 1 cup Corn Adds natural sweetness; fresh is preferred.
  • 1 cup Tomatoes Provides juiciness; halved cherry tomatoes can be used.
  • 1 cup Basil Delivers aromatic freshness; parsley can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onion Offers mild flavor and color.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Base of the vinaigrette.
  • 1 each Lemon (Juiced and Zested) Provides acidity.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Imparts herbal flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Helps emulsify the dressing.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced) Adds depth of flavor.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • medium bowl

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Cook the orzo in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and let cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced red and orange bell peppers, chopped red onion, cucumber, corn, halved tomatoes, and chopped basil. Stir gently.
  3. Fold in the cooled orzo gently to avoid mashing the ingredients.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
  6. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep dressing separate until ready to serve.

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