Rainbow Orzo Salad Recipe- Vibrant & Easy Meal

Brighten up your plate with this stunning Rainbow Orzo Salad! Bursting with colorful vegetables and a zesty dressing, this recipe is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing weeknight meal, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the orzo: Bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil in a small saucepan with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add the orzo, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Drain any excess liquid if necessary, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the orzo cools, wash and chop all the vegetables as directed. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, and finely dice the red onion. Chop the fresh parsley.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped parsley.
5. Dress and serve: Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the orzo and vegetables. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. If using, fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
6. Chill: For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy your vibrant Rainbow Orzo Salad!