Easy Orzo Pasta Salad – On a budget

This pasta salad is full of summer freshness in every bite!

This vibrant orzo pasta salad combines chickpeas, feta cheese, and veggies, all tossed with a super easy olive oil lemon dressing.

Great for picnics, potlucks or a quick weeknight dinner. Serve as a vegetarian main course or with grilled chicken or shrimp.

Ingredients for Orzo Pasta Salad

orzo: The base of this recipe is orzo, a pasta that resembles oversized grains of rice. Found in the pasta section of most grocery stores, it’s perfect for salads and can also be served hot. If orzo isn’t available, any mini pasta will do.

Vegetables: Grape or cherry tomatoes provide tangy freshness. I add fresh spinach (mashed kale works too!) to the orzo salad. Feel free to add any of your favorite crunchy veggies.

Chickpeas: Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, add texture and protein to this hearty meal.

Powerful Flavor: This dish gets a flavor boost from red onions and feta cheese with a simple homemade dressing.

variations

• Add veggies, from chopped cauliflower to cucumber or red peppers.
• Stir in Kalamata olives, chopped artichokes, or sundried tomatoes.
• Before serving, sprinkle with fresh herbs such as fresh mint, dill, parsley, or fresh basil.
• Swap the feta for goat cheese.

Dressing for orzo pasta salad

This dressing only takes a few minutes, but you can use any vinaigrette you like for an orzo pasta salad.

• Use a lightly flavored olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil can be a bit bitter for dressings.
• If desired, stir in 1 teaspoon of honey instead of the sugar.
• Lemon zest or fresh dill can be added.
• To make it quick, shake the dressing in a mason jar with a lid.

How to Make Orzo Pasta Salad

1. Whisk together the ingredients for the dressing (following the recipe below).
2. Cook the orzo until tender, then drain and let cool.
3. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and toss with the dressing. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Tips for a perfect pasta salad

• Cook the orzo and rinse it so it doesn’t overcook.
• Whisk together the dressing ingredients up to 2 days in advance.
• Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
• Keep some tomatoes and feta for garnish, or sprinkle on some herbs.

More perfect pasta salads

Discover a world of deliciousness with these hearty pasta salad recipes! They’re the perfect, flavorful dishes to make, whether you’re hosting a family, planning a picnic, or just want a flavorful, filling meal.rnrnrnrnrn

Did you make that orzo pasta salad? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!