This Healthy Rainbow Orzo Salad bursts with colors and flavors! It combines fluffy orzo pasta with crunchy veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing dish.
I love how easy this salad is to whip up. Just cook the orzo, chop the veggies, toss them together, and enjoy! It’s perfect for lunch or a picnic, bringing a bright smile to any meal! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: Orzo gives the salad a lovely texture. If you have dietary needs, you can use whole grain or gluten-free orzo. Quinoa or rice also work well as substitutes.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and juiciness. If they’re out of season, diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes can be good alternatives.
Cucumber: I prefer English cucumbers for their thin skin and fewer seeds. You can substitute with zucchini or even shredded carrots for a different crunch!
Bell Peppers: The mix of red, yellow, and orange adds color and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use green bell peppers or even frozen mixed bell peppers.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a nice saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Get the Orzo Cooking Just Right?
Cooking orzo properly is key to this salad. You want it tender but not mushy! Here’s how:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the orzo and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check for doneness a minute or two before the package time. It should be al dente – firm to the bite.
- Drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
This method keeps your orzo perfectly cooked and ready to soak up the dressing later. Enjoy making your salad! 🌈
Healthy Rainbow Orzo Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup orange bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Healthy Rainbow Orzo Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. Altogether, you can have this vibrant salad on your table in just 50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Orzo:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.
2. Prep the Veggies:
While the orzo cooks, chop up your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and the red, yellow, and orange bell peppers. Finely chop the red onion and fresh basil. Having everything ready will make mixing the salad a breeze!
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo with your prepared veggies: cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and fresh basil. This is where all the colorful fun comes together!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar (or lemon juice). Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing will give your salad a delicious, zesty flavor!
5. Toss It All Together:
Pour the dressing over the orzo and vegetable mix. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
6. Add the Feta:
Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese, mixing just enough to incorporate it without breaking it up too much. The feta adds a lovely creaminess to the salad.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You want it to be bursting with flavor!
8. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. It’s a perfect colorful side dish or a light, healthy main dish!
This Healthy Rainbow Orzo Salad is refreshing, colorful, and full of healthy ingredients. Enjoy this burst of flavor at your next meal! 🌈🥗
FAQ for Healthy Rainbow Orzo Salad
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made ahead of time. Prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good toss before serving to refresh the flavors!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the vegetables may become a bit softer over time.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can replace feta with crumbled tofu mixed with a little lemon juice and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Alternatively, use goat cheese or a vegan feta, depending on your dietary preferences!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Adding vegetables like shredded carrots, spinach, or even broccoli can add extra crunch and nutrition. Just make sure to chop everything into small, bite-sized pieces for a perfect blend.
