Print

Rainbow Orzo Salad Recipe

4.6 from 61 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Rainbow Orzo Salad featuring tender orzo pasta tossed with colorful vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty olive oil dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Feta Cheese

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo cooks, chop the red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, purple cabbage, red onion, and parsley into bite-sized pieces to create a colorful, crisp mix.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Combine Salad: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled orzo with the vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and the olive oil dressing until everything is evenly coated and mixed.
  5. Serve: You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld for a more pronounced taste. Stir before serving.

Notes

  • For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
  • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Customize with your favorite vegetables or fresh herbs like mint or basil.
  • Use gluten-free orzo to make this recipe gluten-free.

Keywords: rainbow orzo salad, orzo pasta salad, Mediterranean salad, vegetarian salad, feta orzo salad, healthy pasta salad