Horton
Culinary Explorer
Hello guys, Let me share this with you the healthy Whole Wheat Orzo Salad recipe. It's a light and flavorful dish that's perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish any time of the year. It's simple to make, packed with nutrients, and bursting with delicious flavors!
1186×1130
291.6 kB
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
1186×1130
291.6 kB
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup whole wheat orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cook the whole wheat orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the rinsed pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, diced yellow bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese (if using), chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh basil to the bowl with the cooked orzo pasta.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the lemon vinaigrette dressing.
- Pour the lemon vinaigrette dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the Whole Wheat Orzo Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. Garnish with extra fresh herbs, if desired.
- Serve the Whole Wheat Orzo Salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
- Enjoy the vibrant colors and fresh flavors of this delicious Whole Wheat Orzo Salad!