Best Italian Orzo Salad

User Reviews

5.0

429 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    25 mins

  • Servings

    6 servings

  • Calories

    529 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish

  • Cuisine

    Italian, American

Best Italian Orzo Salad

The BEST ITALIAN ORZO SALAD you can throw together in 15 minutes, goes with anything, and has fantastic flavor!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 12 ounces dry orzo
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • cup chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium cucumber peeled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Freshly chopped basil
  • ¼ red onion chopped
  • ½ cup packed baby spinach optional
  • 1 cup Italian salad dressing (store bought or see below for my recipe)

Italian Dressing

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 3 teaspoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper or 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 3 teaspoons Italian blend dried herb seasoning
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Instructions

  1. Place orzo in a pot, cover with water. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil. Cook 8-9 minutes until tender, drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a large bowl combine orzo, tomatoes, chickpeas, cucumbers, basil, onions and spinach (if using) and toss.
  3. Toss with the dressing to serve immediately, OR cover tightly and chill until ready to serve, then toss with dressing just before serving.

To Make the Dressing

  1. To make the salad dressing, combine all ingredients in a jar. Screw the lid on tightly, shake vigorously til well blended, then chill until ready to use or pour immediatley over salad and toss.

Notes

  • Flavor tip: add sliced avocado and kalamata olives. 

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 529kcal (26%) Carbohydrates 58g (19%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 28g (43%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 2mg (1%) Sodium 729mg (30%) Potassium 344mg (10%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 11g (22%) Vitamin A 372IU (7%) Vitamin C 7mg (8%) Calcium 68mg (7%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 529 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 529kcal 26%
Carbohydrates 58g 19%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 28g 43%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 2mg 1%
Sodium 729mg 30%
Potassium 344mg 7%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 11g 22%
Vitamin A 372IU 7%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Calcium 68mg 7%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5.0

429 reviews
Excellent

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