0 from 429 votes
Best Italian Orzo Salad
The BEST ITALIAN ORZO SALAD you can throw together in 15 minutes, goes with anything, and has fantastic flavor!
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 529 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Italian , American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry orzo
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ⅔ 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
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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Flavor tip: add sliced avocado and kalamata olives.
Nutrition Information
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
% 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.