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Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

Delicious Summer Orzo Pasta Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

Enjoy a refreshing Summer Orzo Pasta Salad, tossed with crisp vegetables and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup orzo whole wheat or gluten-free for healthier options
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 orange bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 red onion diced
  • 1 cucumber diced, use English cucumbers for fewer seeds
  • 1 cup corn fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated, optional
For the Dressing
  • 1 lemon juice and zest from 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced red bell pepper, diced orange bell pepper, diced red onion, diced cucumber, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, and sliced green onions. Toss gently until mixed.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well-combined and emulsified.
  4. Add the cooled orzo to the vegetable mixture. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
  5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best flavor, let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving and use fresh, seasonal vegetables.

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