4.6 from 243 votes
Orzo Salad
Orzo Salad blends tender orzo pasta with fresh arugula, cucumber, grape tomatoes, chickpeas, red onion, crumbled feta, and basil, all dressed in a lemony vinaigrette with honey and garlic. The combination creates a bright, textured, and refreshing salad perfect for light meals or a side dish. The crisp vegetables and creamy feta balance the soft pasta, while the lemon and honey dressing adds gentle acidity and sweetness.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings:
8
Calories:
355 kcal
Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
Italian, American
Ingredients
For the Orzo Salad:
- 12 ounces orzo pasta
- 2 arugula heaping cups or baby spinach
- 1 cucumber chopped, English variety
- 1 pint grape tomato halved
- 15 ounces chickpeas rinsed and drained
- ½ onion diced, small; red variety
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
- ½ cup basil chopped, fresh
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (1 large lemon)
- 1 tablespoon golden balsamic vinegar (or champagne vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt to taste, Kosher salt
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente, according to package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Drain the orzo in a strainer and rinse well with cold water. Pour the cooked orzo in a large bowl.
- Add the arugula (or spinach), cucumber, tomatoes, chickpeas, onion, feta, and basil to the orzo and gently stir. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and stir again. Season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- This salad remains fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it suitable for advance preparation.
Nutrition Information
Calories
355kcal
(18%)
Carbohydrates
53g
(18%)
Protein
13g
(26%)
Fat
11g
(17%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Cholesterol
8mg
(3%)
Sodium
116mg
(5%)
Potassium
465mg
(10%)
Fiber
6g
(24%)
Sugar
8g
(16%)
Vitamin A
677IU
(14%)
Vitamin C
12mg
(13%)
Calcium
97mg
(10%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 355
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 355kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 116mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 465mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 677IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 97mg | 10% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.