Go Back
+ servings
Rainbow Orzo Salad

Rainbow Orzo Salad

Experience the vibrant and fresh flavors of our Rainbow Orzo Salad, featuring orzo pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and feta, all dressed in a homemade vinaigrette with a hint of lemon and honey.
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon of honey
  • 1 clove of garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper adjusted to taste

For the Salad:

  • 1 1/2 cups of uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes quartered
  • 1/2 of an orange bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 of a yellow bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup of diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup of chopped red onion optional
  • 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup of fresh basil sliced
  • Salt and pepper adjusted to taste

Instructions

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook it until it reaches an al dente texture, as per the instructions provided on the packaging. This ensures the pasta retains a firm texture, crucial for salad preparations to prevent sogginess.
  • Concurrently, prepare the dressing by combining the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until they emulsify into a homogeneous mixture. Alternatively, these components can be combined in a jar and shaken vigorously. Set the dressing aside.
  • Once the orzo is adequately cooked, drain it and proceed to rinse under cold running water for approximately one minute, or until completely cooled. This step is critical to halt the cooking process immediately and to ensure the pasta maintains its desired texture.
  • Transfer the cooled orzo into a large salad bowl. Introduce the quartered cherry tomatoes, diced orange and yellow bell peppers, diced cucumber, and optionally, chopped red onion to the bowl. Incorporate the crumbled feta cheese and freshly sliced basil. These ingredients contribute various textures and flavors that are pivotal to the overall balance of the salad.
  • Drizzle the previously prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss all ingredients gently yet thoroughly to ensure even coating and distribution of the dressing. Season with additional salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.
  • The salad can be served immediately or may be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. It is vital to mix the salad gently before serving if it has been refrigerated to redistribute flavors and ensure optimal freshness.
Tried this recipe?Mention @ThatOvenFeelin or tag #ThatOvenFeelin!