5 from 12 votes
Italian Orzo Pasta Salad
This Italian Orzo Pasta Salad combines tender orzo pasta with sliced black olives, mini pepperonis, diced green bell pepper, pepperoncini, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella cubes. The salad is dressed in a vinaigrette featuring olive oil, white vinegar, and a blend of herbs and seasonings. Chilling the salad before serving lets the flavors meld, making it a refreshing and flavorful dish suitable for potlucks or as a side dish.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
8
Servings
Calories:
563 kcal
Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound orzo pasta
- 4 ounces black olive sliced
- 4 ounces mini pepperonis
- 1 medium green bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1/4 cup Pepperoncini chopped
- 1 pint tomatoes halved, cherry or grape
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese cubed, fresh
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar distilled
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley dried
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon basil dried
Instructions
- Cook 1 pound orzo pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add 4 ounces sliced black olives, 4 ounces mini pepperonis, 1 medium green bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped pepperocinis, 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, and 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese to the orzo. Stir to combine.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 2/3 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon dried basil until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Stir to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
563kcal
(28%)
Carbohydrates
47g
(16%)
Protein
17g
(34%)
Fat
33g
(51%)
Saturated Fat
8g
(40%)
Cholesterol
37mg
(12%)
Sodium
949mg
(40%)
Potassium
348mg
(7%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
590IU
(12%)
Vitamin C
25.4mg
(28%)
Calcium
178mg
(18%)
Iron
1.8mg
(10%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 563
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 563kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 33g | 51% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 37mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 949mg | 40% |
| Potassium | 348mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 590IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 25.4mg | 28% |
| Calcium | 178mg | 18% |
| Iron | 1.8mg | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.