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+ servings
Rainbow Orzo Salad

Rainbow Orzo Salad: A Fresh, Colorful Boost for Your Lunch

Rainbow Orzo Salad is a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables and colorful pasta, perfect for a quick, nutritious meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup orzo substitute with gluten-free or whole grain options
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes can swap for grape or diced Roma tomatoes
  • 1 cup bell peppers mix and match colors as preferred
  • 0.5 cup cucumber can substitute with zucchini or summer squash
  • 0.25 cup red onion green onions can be used for milder flavor
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese or a dairy-free option
For the Vinaigrette
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil high-quality extra virgin
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar white or red wine vinegar recommended
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup agave syrup can be used as a sugar-free substitute
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo and cook for about 7-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. While orzo cooks, prepare the veggies: chop 1 cup each of bell peppers, slice half a cucumber, quarter 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice 0.25 cup of red onion.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Transfer the rinsed orzo to a large mixing bowl, add the chopped veggies, and pour the vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Crumble half a cup of feta cheese over the salad and gently fold it in.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For improved flavor, prepare the salad a few hours ahead. Keep moist by adding more olive oil if needed before serving.

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