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–+ servings
Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

Bright and Refreshing Summer Orzo Pasta Salad Delight

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Summer Orzo Pasta Salad, a delightful mix of fresh veggies and zesty lemon vinaigrette.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo A lovely pasta base that cooks quickly.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Adds a sweet crunch.
  • 1 medium Orange Bell Pepper Enhances the sweetness.
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion Provides sharpness; soaking can mellow flavor.
  • 1 medium Cucumber Offers refreshing crunch.
  • 1 cup Corn Sweetness and texture.
  • 1 cup Tomatoes Bursts with flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Basil Adds aromatic flair.
  • 1/4 cup Green Onion Mild onion flavor.
For the Lemon Vinaigrette
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil Opt for extra virgin for a richer flavor.
  • 1 medium Lemon Juice and zest brighten up flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Combination of herbs and spices.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Aids in dressing emulsification.
  • 1 clove Garlic Infuses depth and savoriness.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Orzo: Boil salted water, add orzo, and cook until al dente. Drain and cool.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop red and orange bell peppers, red onion, cucumber, and halve cherry tomatoes. Mix with corn, basil, and green onions.
  3. Make the Lemon Vinaigrette: Combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, season with salt and pepper, and whisk together.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add cooled orzo to the vegetable mix, pour vinaigrette over, and toss gently.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with grated parmesan and serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For maximum freshness, mix herbs just before serving and adjust dressing to your liking.

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