5 from 243 votes
Best Italian Orzo Salad
This Italian Orzo Salad blends tender cooked orzo pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, cucumber, basil, and red onion in a flavorful Italian dressing made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Parmesan, and herbs. Baby spinach is optional, adding extra greenery. The salad can be served immediately or chilled, making it versatile for meals or gatherings.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
529 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Italian, American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces orzo dry
- ½ cup cherry tomato halved
- ⅔ cup chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber peeled and chopped, medium
- 1 tablespoon basil freshly chopped
- ¼ red onion chopped
- ½ cup baby spinach optional, packed
- 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 lemon fresh-squeezed juice
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper, cracked
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning dried herb blend
Instructions
- 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.
- In a large bowl combine orzo, tomatoes, chickpeas, cucumbers, basil, onions and spinach (if using) and toss.
- Toss with the dressing to serve immediately, OR cover tightly and chill until ready to serve, then toss with dressing just before serving.
Cup of Yum
To Make the Dressing
- 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
- Adding sliced avocado or kalamata olives introduces extra creaminess and tang to the salad.
- Chill salad before serving to allow flavors to meld and enhance taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor in the dressing.
Nutrition Information
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 529
% 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.