Orzo Salad

Name: Orzo Salad
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 16 serving(s)
Ingredients: Dressing:; ¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; ¾ cup balsamic vinegar; ¼ cup red wine vinegar; ¼ cup minced fresh thyme (or 2 tablespoons dried); ¼ cup minced fresh basil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon salt; 2 cups olive oil; ¼ cup walnut oil; ; Salad:; 2 1-pound boxes orzo pasta; 4 medium tomatoes, diced; 4 cups dried cranberries; 4 yellow bell peppers, diced; 2 red bell peppers, diced; 2 bunches basil, minced; 1 cup Kalamata olives; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 cup diced red onion; 1 cup diced artichoke hearts; ¾ cup capers

Jennifer Mosinski

Share This Recipe

Orzo pasta is mixed with Kalamata olives, capers, artichoke hearts, dried cranberries, and feta cheese and then topped with a tangy lemon vinaigrette in this pasta salad bursting with flavor. Make this dish for a potluck or dinner party and your guests will be raving about it. Or make a batch on Sunday and have lunch ready for the whole week!

Print recipe

Servings: 16

Ready in: 42min PT42M
Prep time: 30min
Cook time: 12min

Ingredients

Dressing:
¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
¾ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup minced fresh thyme (or 2 tablespoons dried)
¼ cup minced fresh basil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups olive oil
¼ cup walnut oil
Salad:
2 1-pound boxes orzo pasta
4 medium tomatoes, diced
4 cups dried cranberries
4 yellow bell peppers, diced
2 red bell peppers, diced
2 bunches basil, minced
1 cup Kalamata olives
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup diced red onion
1 cup diced artichoke hearts
¾ cup capers

Directions

Mix lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, thyme, 1/4 cup minced basil, garlic, and salt together in a bowl. Slowly drizzle olive oil and walnut oil into lemon juice mixture while constantly whisking until dressing is smooth.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Pour orzo into pot and cook until pasta is al dente, 7 to 10 minutes. Drain and run under cool water.
Mix orzo pasta, tomatoes, cranberries, yellow bell peppers, red bell peppers, 2 bunches minced basil, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, red onion, artichoke hearts, and capers together in a bowl. Drizzle dressing over orzo mixture and stir until all ingredients are well coated.

Mealthy tip:

Any type of pasta can be used in place of the orzo. Couscous or rotini would be nice pasta varieties. If you are looking for a gluten-free version, try substituting rice for the orzo or use a sturdy gluten-free pasta. Add walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch. Top the salad with sliced green onions or chives for added color and flavor.

Tagged:

Dinner Salads Weeknight Lunch American Picnic Mediterranean Sides Tomatoes Work Lunch Orzo Pasta Lemon Juice Kalamata Olives Feta Cheese Orzo

Reviews

5.0out of 5 Stars

(1 Review)

How would you rate this recipe?

What others are saying

Manny Cruz says:

I used roasted red peppers in this recipe instead of the red and yellow, raw bell peppers. I love the charred taste you get when they're roasted. Orzo is one of my favorite foods, and I was really please with the way this dish turned out. Simple and elegant.