Mediterranean Lemony Rainbow Orzo Salad
Mediterranean Lemony Rainbow Orzo Salad is a colorful and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. This salad combines bright vegetables with orzo pasta, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, as a side dish, or for lunch, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and beautiful appearance.
Why Make This Recipe
This salad is not just delicious; it’s also healthy and easy to make. The combination of fresh vegetables and orzo pasta provides a satisfying meal that is full of vitamins and nutrients. It’s a great way to include more veggies in your diet while enjoying a light, tasty dish. Plus, it comes together quickly and can be made in advance, making it perfect for busy days.
How to Make Mediterranean Lemony Rainbow Orzo Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
Directions:
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve Mediterranean Lemony Rainbow Orzo Salad
This salad is versatile and can be served as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled meats, or even as a filling snack. You can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge or at room temperature. For an extra touch, consider adding some feta cheese or olives.
How to Store Mediterranean Lemony Rainbow Orzo Salad
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3 days. If you plan to store it, you may want to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the salad’s freshness.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Lemony Rainbow Orzo Salad
- Make sure to let the orzo cool completely before mixing it with the vegetables to keep them crisp.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables or protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Adjust the lemon juice and olive oil to your taste preference for a more tangy or richer flavor.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe by adding in other ingredients like olives, avocado, or herbs such as parsley or basil for added flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use gluten-free orzo for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular orzo with gluten-free orzo to make this salad gluten-free.
Q: How can I make this salad vegan?
A: This salad is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure your olive oil is pure and free from animal products.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator without the dressing to help retain the crunch of the veggies.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Mediterranean Lemony Rainbow Orzo Salad!
Print
Mediterranean Lemony Rainbow Orzo Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A colorful and refreshing salad combining bright vegetables with orzo pasta and a zesty lemon dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding feta cheese or olives. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: orzo salad, Mediterranean salad, vegan salad, healthy salad, summer salad