Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rainbow Orzo Salad is a colorful, vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing makes it a refreshing and satisfying salad. Packed with bright flavors and nutrients, it’s an ideal side dish for barbecues, picnics, or as a light main course.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

orzo pastacucumbercherry tomatoesbell peppers (red, yellow, orange)red onionfeta cheesefresh parsleyolivesolive oilred wine vinegargarlic powderlemon juicedijon mustardhoneysalt and pepper

directions

Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
While the orzo is cooking, chop the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo with the chopped vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and olives.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or a vegan alternative.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of orzo for a different texture.
Add avocado for extra creaminess.
For extra crunch, toss in some sunflower seeds or pine nuts.

storage/reheating

Store Rainbow Orzo Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. The salad may dry out a little, so add a bit of olive oil or lemon juice when serving if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made in advance. Just be sure to store it in the fridge and add the dressing right before serving to keep the vegetables fresh.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or penne.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Orzo is not gluten-free, but you can use a gluten-free pasta in place of regular orzo to make it gluten-free.

Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add or swap any veggies you like, such as zucchini, carrots, or even roasted beets.

Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Conclusion

Rainbow Orzo Salad is a delightful dish full of color, texture, and flavor. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a side or a main dish, and its vibrant appearance makes it an eye-catching addition to any table. With its fresh ingredients and zesty dressing, this salad is sure to be a crowd favorite!