This colorful Rainbow Orzo Salad is full of fresh veggies and yummy orzo pasta! It’s not just pretty to look at but also packed with flavors. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner!
I love how easy it is to throw together, and it tastes great chilled! Add your favorite dressing, and you’re set for a healthy meal. It’s a fun way to brighten up your plate. 🌈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta shapes add great texture. If you’re gluten-free, try quinoa or gluten-free pasta options. I enjoy using whole wheat orzo for added fiber.
Corn: Fresh corn adds sweetness, but you can use canned or frozen corn if that’s easier. Just make sure to drain canned corn well. The flavors stay vibrant either way!
Bell Peppers: Red and orange peppers are sweet and colorful. If you’re in a pinch, yellow or green peppers work too. I love keeping some roasted red peppers on hand as a unique twist.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley, basil, and dill make this salad refreshing! If you don’t have one, feel free to use what you like, such as cilantro or mint. A mix adds an interesting flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the salad. Bottled lemon juice is okay, but fresh definitely has a better zing. Adding lime juice can also give a nice twist!
How Do I Cook Orzo Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking orzo is simple, but there are a couple of tips to ensure it turns out perfectly. First, use plenty of water and salt it well, like you would for any pasta. This step enhances the flavor!
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil before adding the orzo.
- Stir the pasta occasionally to keep it from sticking. Cook it until it’s al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Following these steps helps keep the orzo from getting mushy and ensures it has the right bite! Enjoy your cooking!
Healthy Rainbow Orzo Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup orange bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional for slight sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Rainbow Orzo Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes of chilling time in the refrigerator. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes before you can dig in! Perfect for a quick meal prep or a vibrant side dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Orzo:
Start by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to use plenty of water and a pinch of salt. Once cooked, drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. This helps keep it from becoming mushy!
2. Adding Fresh Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo with the corn kernels, diced red and orange bell peppers, diced cucumber, and red onion. This bright mixture will make your salad pop with color!
3. Mixing in the Herbs:
Next, chop up your fresh parsley, basil, and dill. Add these fragrant herbs to the orzo and vegetables in the bowl. They’ll bring wonderful flavors to the salad!
4. Preparing the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and honey or maple syrup if you like a hint of sweetness. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well until everything is fully combined.
5. Combining Everything:
Pour the dressing over the orzo salad mixture and gently toss everything together until well coated. Be careful not to squish the veggies; you want them to remain crunchy!
6. Taste Test:
Take a minute to taste your salad. Adjust the seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. You want your salad to be bright and flavorful!
7. Chill the Salad:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s worth the wait!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge and enjoy it cold or at room temperature. It’s fresh, delicious, and perfect for any occasion!
Enjoy your colorful, healthy Rainbow Orzo Salad! 🌈🥗
Can I Use Different Pasta Instead of Orzo?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of orzo or want to try something different, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like couscous, quinoa, or even farro. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times based on what you use!
How Do I Store Leftover Rainbow Orzo Salad?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just note that the vegetables may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh! If it gets too dry, add a splash of olive oil and lemon juice before serving to refresh it!
Can I Add Protein to This Salad?
Definitely! Adding proteins like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese can make this salad more filling. Just mix in your desired protein after combining the vegetables and orzo for a satisfying meal!
Is This Salad Vegan?
Yes! This Rainbow Orzo Salad is vegan as long as you omit the honey or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option. The fresh vegetables and herbs make it flavorful and satisfying without any animal products!
