This Healthy Rainbow Orzo Salad is a feast for both the eyes and the belly! Packed with colorful veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes, it’s refreshingly tasty.
It’s like a party in a bowl, and the best part? It’s super easy to whip up! I love making this salad for lunch—it keeps well in the fridge, so I can snack on it all week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta is key to the salad’s base. If you don’t have orzo, you could use small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous. Both cook quickly and blend nicely with the veggies.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness and color. If not available, grape tomatoes or any diced tomatoes work too! You could even use roasted tomatoes for a different flavor.
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers add crunch. If you want a different bite, bell peppers or zucchini can be used instead. Just chop them small for a similar texture!
Bell Peppers: I love using yellow and orange for sweetness and color, but feel free to swap them for red or green. They all taste great!
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta gives a tangy flavor. If you want to keep it dairy-free, try using avocado or a vegan cheese alternative instead.
How Do I Make Sure My Orzo Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking orzo to the right texture is crucial for your salad. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with plenty of salted water to help flavor the pasta.
- Cook the orzo according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- To prevent mushiness, taste it a minute or two before the suggested time. It should be al dente—tender but with a slight bite.
- Once done, drain and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps the pasta from sticking together.
Following these steps ensures your orzo will be a perfect base for your salad!
Healthy Rainbow Orzo Salad with Fresh Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup 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, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in total, you’ll be looking at about 45 minutes to enjoy this colorful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Orzo:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes until it’s al dente (tender but firm). When done, drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and prevent it from continuing to cook. Drain thoroughly.
2. Mixing the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, yellow and orange bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh basil. This combination brings all the colorful veggies together for a vibrant salad.
3. Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well mixed. This dressing will add flavor and moisture to your salad.
4. Combining it All:
Drizzle the dressing over the orzo and vegetables mixture. Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Adding the Feta:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad and toss lightly again to incorporate it without breaking it down too much.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a taste and feel free to adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon juice if you like it zippier!
7. Chill Before Serving:
For the best flavors, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to soak into the vegetables. Serve it chilled or at room temperature whenever you’re ready.
Enjoy a colorful, fresh, and healthy orzo salad perfect for lunch, picnics, or as a delightful side dish!
FAQ for Healthy Rainbow Orzo Salad
Can I Use Whole Wheat Orzo instead of Regular Orzo?
Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo adds more fiber to the salad and has a nutty flavor. Just keep in mind it may require slightly longer cooking time, so check the package instructions for the best results.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
This salad is very versatile! Feel free to add other favorites like spinach, arugula, carrots, or even steamed broccoli. Just chop them small so they mix well with the orzo.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3 days. The flavors will meld even more as it sits! Just give it a good stir before serving again.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! You can easily veganize this salad by omitting the feta cheese or substituting it with a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also add in avocado for creaminess!
