Summer Orzo Pasta Salad is a
great addition to any summer get together, or it can be stored to enjoy for the week! It’s a delicious mixture of orzo pasta, fresh cucumber, bold feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and more. To bring it all together, it is topped with a tangy red wine vinaigrette dressing. Summer Orzo Pasta Salad can be served as a main dish or a side dish, and it is truly refreshing and tasty!
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
- 1/2 English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 small red onion, chopped
For the red wine vinaigrette dressing:
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Optional garnishes:
- 1/2 cup basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Directions
Step 1 -Cook the orzo to al dente, according to the package directions.
Step 2 -Let it cool completely or run it under cold water until cooled.
Step 3 -In a large mixing bowl add the cucumber, the feta cheese, the garbanzo beans, the tomatoes, and the red onions, gently stirring to combine.
Step 4 -In a Mason jar or salad dressing container, whisk together the red wine vinegar, the lemon juice, the honey, the salt, the pepper and the extra virgin olive oil.
Step 5 -Add the orzo pasta to the vegetable mixture and mix well.
Step 6 -Pour half of the dressing over the salad and toss.
Step 7 -Sprinkle the basil, the mint and the parsley over the salad and gently toss.
Step 8 -When ready to serve, add the remaining dressing, toss gently, and serve.
