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+ servings
Summer Orzo Salad
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
11 mins
Total Time
26 mins
 
This recipe for summer orzo salad is quick and easy to prepare, and make a perfect side dish or light meal in the summertime.
Course: Entrées, Side Dishes, Appetizers/Snacks, Salads
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Vegetarian, Pasta, Lunch, One Pot Meal
Servings: 6 to 8 people
Calories: 370 kcal
Ingredients
  • 12 ounces dried orzo pasta 1⅔ cup
  • Olive oil
  • ¼ Vidalia onion diced
  • 1 medium zucchini cubed
  • 1 clove garlic minced (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • A big handful or two coarsely chopped fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup roasted red pepper diced
  • cup toasted pine nuts
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chiffonade fresh basil
Instructions
  1. Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pasta pot. Cook the orzo for 11 minutes. Drain the orzo, rinsing it briefly with warm water. Place the orzo in a large bowl.
  2. While the orzo is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a glug of olive oil and sauté the diced onion for a few minutes until it starts to brown. Add the zucchini, garlic, and dried oregano. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes longer, just until the zucchini just starts to soften. Transfer the vegetable mixture to the bowl with the orzo.
  3. Add the spinach, roasted peppers, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl, drizzle in the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and toss to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Before serving, stir in the fresh basil and serve warm or at room temperature. This salad can be made up to 2 days before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Summer Orzo Salad
Amount Per Serving (1 of 6 servings)
Calories 370 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
Monounsaturated Fat 6g
Cholesterol 7mg2%
Sodium 482mg20%
Potassium 390mg11%
Carbohydrates 49g16%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 12g24%
Vitamin A 1237IU25%
Vitamin C 21mg25%
Calcium 120mg12%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.