Description
Easy Orzo Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to casual weeknight dinners. This delightful salad features tender orzo pasta mixed with colorful vegetables, briny olives, and artichokes, all tossed in a zesty lemon Dijon dressing. The combination of fresh herbs adds depth and brightness, making it a versatile choice that can be served warm or chilled. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal option for meal prep or entertaining guests. With its nutritious ingredients and satisfying flavors, this easy orzo pasta salad is sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups dried orzo pasta
- 1 medium English cucumber, diced
- 1 large tomato, diced or 8 ounces halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, or mint)
- ½ cup pitted olives, halved
- 1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice, depending on taste
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in salted boiling water according to package directions until tender (6-10 minutes). Drain well.
- While the orzo cooks, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the warm drained orzo to the dressing mixture and mix well to coat evenly. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Incorporate diced cucumber, tomato (or cherry tomatoes), fresh herbs, olives, and artichokes into the bowl. Toss gently until fully combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm immediately or refrigerate for about an hour for a chilled option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg