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Rainbow Orzo Salad

Rainbow Orzo Salad: A Colorful Twist for Summer Meals

Rainbow Orzo Salad is a vibrant and versatile dish perfect for summer meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo gluten-free pasta or quinoa for gluten-free option
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes can substitute with grape or Roma tomatoes
  • 1 each Red Bell Pepper any color bell pepper can be used
  • 1 each Cucumber choose English cucumber for fewer seeds
  • 1 cup Feta Cheese can be omitted for dairy-free or replaced with goat cheese or mozzarella pearls
  • 1 small Red Onion substitute with green onions for a milder taste
For the Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice can substitute with lime juice or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup can be skipped or adjusted based on dietary preferences

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • medium bowl
  • large bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 7-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the cooled pasta aside in a large bowl.
  2. While the orzo cools, wash and dice the cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Crumble the feta cheese into a bowl.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and honey (if using). Whisk until well blended, then season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
  4. Once the orzo has cooled, add the prepared vegetables and crumbled feta cheese into the large bowl with the orzo. Pour the vinaigrette over the mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined.
  5. You can enjoy your Rainbow Orzo Salad immediately or allow it to chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors. Consider saving half of the vinaigrette to drizzle just before serving for freshness.

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