Healthy Orzo Salad

User Reviews

5.0

9 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    18 mins

  • Servings

    6 servings

  • Calories

    252 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish, Salad

  • Cuisine

    Tex-Mex

Healthy Orzo Salad

This Healthy Orzo Salad is so easy to make! Featuring fresh veggies and a speedy homemade cilantro lime dressing, you'll want to make this pasta salad again and again!I included the recipes for my cilantro lime dressing and simple Italian dressing - choose your favorite!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 2.5 cups chopped bell pepper (any color)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • ¼ cup chopped green onion
  • fresh cilantro to garnish
  • optional tortilla chips for serving

CILANTRO LIME DRESSING

  • 2 limes, juiced
  • ¼ cup avocado oil (or light olive oil)
  • 1 TBSP white wine vinegar
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • tsp cumin
  • tsp paprika
  • tsp black pepper
  • 2 TBSP chopped fresh cilantro

ITALIAN-STYLE DRESSING

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup white wine or champagne vinegar
  • 1 TBSP Mrs Dash Italian seasoning blend
  • ½ TBSP garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
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Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta and a pinch of salt and cook for 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water (I do this using a fine mesh sieve, easy peasy!) to halt the cooking process. Add pasta to a large bowl and set aside.
  2. While your noodles cook, chop your veggies and make the dressing.
  3. I paired this salad with fresh cilantro and my go-to cilantro lime dressing. Not a fan of cilantro? Skip it entirely and opt for the Italian dressing recipe above! To make the dressing, combine ingredients in a lidded jar and shake vigorously to emulsify. Allow to sit while you toss together your salad, then shake again before serving.
  4. Add all your veggies to the orzo with the dressing and mix well. Salad may be enjoyed right away (room temperature) or chilled briefly before serving. Both options are delicious!

Notes

  • Feel free to top with any of your favorite pasta salad extras if you'd like! Some may like to add feta, olives, or even chickpeas to the mix. Have fun with it and be sure to let me know what deliciousness you cook up!
  • Making this salad ahead of time? It's great the next day and fabulous in packed lunches for work, school, or picnics. Simply make a little extra dressing to drizzle over the salad the next day, as the pasta will soak up a some of the dressing while it chills. SO GOOD!
  • Nutrition facts below are an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. 

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 252kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 35g (12%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 202mg (8%) Potassium 303mg (9%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 2150IU (43%) Vitamin C 92.2mg (102%) Calcium 25mg (3%) Iron 1.1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 252 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 252kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 202mg 8%
Potassium 303mg 6%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 2150IU 43%
Vitamin C 92.2mg 102%
Calcium 25mg 3%
Iron 1.1mg 6%

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

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Overall Rating

5.0

9 reviews
Excellent

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