Best 3 Orzo Vegetable Salad Recipes

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When the summer heat arrives, it's time to enjoy the abundance of fresh, seasonal vegetables. Cooking a refreshing and flavorful orzo vegetable salad is an excellent way to savor these garden gems. Whether you prefer light and lemony dressings or creamy, herb-infused sauces, there are endless possibilities for creating a delicious orzo vegetable salad that will tantalize your taste buds and make your taste buds sing.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GRILLED VEGETABLE ORZO SALAD



Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad image

Vegetables that are in season make great additions to this orzo salad. It's the perfect side dish for a picnic, it can easily be doubled for a crowd, or you can add grilled chicken to make it a filling entree. -Danielle Miller, Westfield, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

1-1/4 cups uncooked orzo pasta
1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices
1 medium sweet yellow or red pepper, halved
1 large portobello mushroom, stem removed
1/2 medium red onion, halved
DRESSING:
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
SALAD:
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • Cook orzo according to package directions. Place vegetables in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients. Add to vegetables and toss to coat., Remove vegetables, reserving dressing. Grill mushroom, pepper and onion, covered, over medium heat 5-10 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. Grill asparagus and zucchini, covered, 3-4 minutes or until desired doneness, turning occasionally., When cool enough to handle, cut vegetables into bite-size pieces. In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, grilled vegetables, tomatoes, parsley, basil, salt, pepper and reserved dressing; toss to combine. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate until cold. Just before serving, stir in cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260 calories, Fat 12g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 352mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ORZO VEGETABLE SALAD



Orzo Vegetable Salad image

Heading to a potluck and need something to share? Tangy lemon dressing over cool orzo and vegetables is everything you want in a light side dish. -Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta
3 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 cup marinated quartered artichoke hearts, chopped
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh spinach
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon capers, drained
DRESSING:
1/3 cup olive oil
4 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook orzo according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, artichokes, spinach, onions, cheese and capers. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients., Drain orzo and rinse in cold water. Add to vegetable mixture., Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 259 calories, Fat 19g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 460mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

HERB VEGETABLE ORZO SALAD



Herb Vegetable Orzo Salad image

The chilled salad our Test Kitchen tossed together is an ideal warm-weather refresher. Golden corn, grape tomatoes and fresh basil bring the very best of summer to the table. Subtly salty olives add an interesting contrast to the other sun-sweetened veggies

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup pitted Greek olives, halved
1/4 cup chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup minced fresh basil or 4 teaspoons dried basil
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large serving bowl; add the corn, red pepper, tomatoes, olives, onion, basil and parsley. , In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper; shake well. Pour over salad and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 192 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 157mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Use a variety of vegetables: This will add flavor, texture, and color to your salad. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
  • Cook the orzo al dente: This means that it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked orzo will be mushy and unpleasant.
  • Use a flavorful dressing: This is what will really bring your salad to life. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs is a good option. You can also use a store-bought dressing, if you prefer.
  • Add some protein: This will make your salad more filling and satisfying. Some good options include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs: This will add a pop of flavor and color to your salad. Some good options include basil, parsley, or cilantro.

Conclusion:

Orzo vegetable salad is a healthy, delicious, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give orzo vegetable salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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