Easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
Once you make this Easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad, it will be on your rotation ALL THE TIME!! Orzo is tossed with sun dried tomatoes, kalamata olives and fresh herbs, then dressed with a tangy, delicious lemon dressing. This salad has no mayo so it's perfect for summer picnics and grill outs.
Ingredients
For the salad
- 1 16 oz. package of orzo pasta
- 1 8 oz. jar sun dried tomatoes in oil, roughly chopped (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup)
- 1 12 oz. jar kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- parmesan cheese, to taste optional
For the dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Boil orzo according to package directions (usually about 9 minutes).
- While the orzo is cooking, make the dressing. In a small bowk, whisk lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil and honey. Season with salt.
- Drain orzo, run under cold water and allow to cool.
- In a large bowl, toss cooled cooked orzo with the dressing, sun dried tomatoes, olives, basil and mint (See Note 1).
- Stir in some parmesan cheese, if you like!
- Enjoy right away or cover and refrigerate. I like serving this salad at room temperature, so pull it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Start by adding half of the dressing, toss and taste. Keep adding dressing until it's perfect! I usually use ALL of the dressing, but just use whatever suits your taste.
Nutrition information is only an estimate. Info is based on the Very Well Fit Nutrition Calculator.
Nutrition
Calories: 459kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 10.3gFat: 16.6gSaturated Fat: 2.1gSodium: 829mgPotassium: 54mgFiber: 7gSugar: 13.5gCalcium: 54mgIron: 7mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!