Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

Need a light, refreshing summer salad that’s quick to throw together and full of flavor? This orzo pasta salad recipe has you covered in four simple steps.

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What is pasta salad?

I don’t mean to patronize you, reader: pasta salad is a salad that utilizes pasta as the base instead of the usual greens. It is usually served cold and often passed over in favor of other, more popular items. Not so with THIS one, however!

Summer orzo pasta salad

It’s summertime. You don’t want something heavy. You want something light, something zingy, something to get you excited about the fresh produce, perhaps, or just to help add something of substance to your next gathering. Good thing you stumbled upon this orzo pasta salad recipe!

Summer orzo pasta salad recipe

You aren’t going to be working with 5 trillion ingredients here—simplicity is key with a good summer salad. That said, you’re making a salad and a dressing from scratch. Here’s what’s on the docket:

Salad:

• orzo pasta
• cucumber
• feta cheese
• grape tomatoes
• red onion
• Optional: basil, mint, parsley, olives

Dressing:

• red wine vinegar
• olive oil
• lemon juice
• honey
• salt
• pepper

How to make orzo pasta salad

Four steps. Four. You ready?

• Cook the orzo according to the package. Let the pasta cool. Be sure to rinse!
• In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, feta, tomatoes, red onion, pasta, and stir.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss. Add any herbs you’d like. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

How to store pasta salad

For salads like these, I usually just keep them in the bowl I mixed them in and cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This can also keep in Tupperware, though, and holds up in the fridge a bit longer than a greens-based salad.

What goes with pasta salad?

It's unusual for pasta salad to take center stage at any given meal (although it definitely could!). However, the beautiful thing about this summer orzo pasta salad is that it goes with so many things.

Burgers and brats? Absolutely. Chicken? You bet.

I'd venture there isn't going to be a meal where adding this wouldn't be a welcome addition. So give it a go at your next gathering!

Is orzo a pasta?

Yes, orzo is pasta, not some freakishly large rice or something. As a pasta, it’s made from flour (though there are gluten-free versions available).

Pasta. Not rice.

Should orzo be rinsed after cooking?

For this purpose, yes! If you don’t, it’ll stick to itself and get all clumpy from the layer of starch that’s present.

Is orzo pasta good for you?

This all depends on your dietary needs, nutrition goals, and your lifestyle. This orzo pasta salad recipe can definitely fit into a health-minded nutrition plan. Have a look at the numbers below:

Orzo pasta salad nutrition

For a 4oz serving, you’ll get 160kcal with 20g carbs, 4g protein, and 7g fat.

Looking for more recipes?

Why not try a few of these other Jordo’s World staples:

• Healthy Chicken Salad
• Panera Green Goddess Salad
• Healthy Broccoli Salad

Want the recipe?

You can find the recipe below! If you love it, please rate it and share it with folks you love. This really helps me out!