Summer Orzo Pasta Salad 🍝🌞

This vibrant and refreshing Summer Orzo Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for hot sunny days. Bursting with fresh vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is not only easy to make but also customizable with whatever seasonal ingredients you have on hand. Enjoy it warm or cold, and don't forget to pack it for your picnic or barbecue—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! 🌿🍅

Ingredients

For the salad

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or your favorite herbs)

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the orzo: In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, lemon juice and zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Combine the salad: In a large bowl, mix the cooked orzo with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, corn, olives, feta cheese, and fresh basil.

4. Dress it up: Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to combine all the ingredients while ensuring the dressing evenly coats the orzo.

5. Chill and serve: Let the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it chilled or at room temperature.

🥗 The orzo can absorb the dressing, which makes it even tastier the next day! Feel free to make this salad ahead of time for easy meal prep.

Variations

• Protein-packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a hearty meal option.
• Mediterranean twist: Incorporate artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or capers for an extra zing.
• Creamy version: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a richer texture.
• Spicy kick: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a hint of heat. 🌶️
• Gluten-free: Substitute orzo with quinoa or gluten-free pasta for a deliciously gluten-free option.

This Summer Orzo Pasta Salad is sure to be your go-to recipe all season long. Enjoy the sunshine and share this delightful dish with friends and family! 🌊☀️