0 from 30 votes
Orzo Pasta Salad
Our favorite Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad recipe is bursting with fresh flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes! Serve it cold or warm, as a main course, or the perfect side to accompany any dish!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 819 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Main Course , Salad
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Ingredients
Orzo Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb orzo pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes , halved
- 14 oz artichoke hearts , canned, drained and chopped
- 2/3 cup kalamata olives , pitted and chopped
- 2/3 cup dried Craisins
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons capers
- 3 cups cooked chicken , chopped
Dressing:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup tarragon vinegar*
- 3 Tablespoons fresh tarragon , chopped
- 1 ½ Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside to cool.
- Combine dressing ingredients in a bowl and stir well to combine. Pour dressing over cooled orzo pasta and stir to combine.
- Add remaining ingredients and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- To Make Ahead: You can make this Orzo Salad 1-2 days in advance, although I recommend waiting to add the dressing until just before serving.
- To Store: Leftovers can be stored for for a few days in the refrigerator. I love to meal prep this salad for easy lunch during the week.
- Tarragon Substitute: White wine vinegar would work as a substitute for tarragon.
- Gluten Free: Substitute your favorite bite-size gluten free pasta.
- Veggies: Feel free to chop up summer veggies from your garden and toss them in! Diced cucumbers and bell peppers would taste delicious.
- Shrimp Orzo Salad: The chicken can be swapped out for cooked shrimp.
- Add-Ins: This simple orzo salad is perfect to customize to your own preferences, feel free to add in chickpeas or feta cheese.
Nutrition Information
Calories
819kcal
(41%)
Carbohydrates
75g
(25%)
Protein
30g
(60%)
Fat
45g
(69%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
6g
Monounsaturated Fat
30g
Cholesterol
53mg
(18%)
Sodium
641mg
(27%)
Potassium
567mg
(16%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
14g
(28%)
Vitamin A
483IU
(10%)
Vitamin C
15mg
(17%)
Calcium
83mg
(8%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 819
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 819kcal | 41% |
| Carbohydrates | 75g | 25% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 45g | 69% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 30g | 150% |
| Cholesterol | 53mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 641mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 567mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 483IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 83mg | 8% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.