Description
Easy Orzo Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to light lunches. Tender orzo pasta is elegantly mixed with crisp vegetables, briny olives, and artichokes, all tossed in a zesty lemon Dijon dressing. This salad not only bursts with flavor but also showcases seasonal freshness, making it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or a satisfying meal prep option. Versatile enough to be enjoyed warm or chilled, it’s an ideal companion for grilled meats or as a standalone light meal. Prepare this delightful dish in just 20 minutes and savor the wholesome goodness.
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, mint)
- ½ cup pitted olives, halved
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in salted boiling water according to package directions until tender (6-10 minutes). Drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the warm orzo to the dressing and mix well. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Incorporate cucumber, tomato, herbs, olives, and artichokes into the bowl. Toss gently until fully combined.
- Serve immediately warm or refrigerate for about an hour if you prefer it chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg