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4.0 from 3 votes

Vegetarian Summer Orzo Salad

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the bounty of fresh summer vegetables and herbs, this Vegetarian Summer Orzo Salad recipe is the recipe for you!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Additional Time:
20 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 426 kcal
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian-American Fussion

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
  • ¼ cup olive oil divided
  • 2 cups spinach leaves chopped
  • 15 ounces canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 8 ounces Mozzarella pearls
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ red onion diced
  • 1 medium cucumber chopped
  • ½ cup chopped fresh basil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dry oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook the dry orzo pasta according to the manufacturer's instructions, drain, then transfer to a bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Set aside to cool for about 20 minutes.
  2. Stir together the spinach, chickpeas, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and basil in a large bowl. Add the cooked orzo and toss to combine.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil with the balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add the dressing to the orzo mixture and toss to combine. Serve!

Notes

  • Tossing the orzo in the oil is essential to keep the orzo from becoming one stuck-together mess. Don’t skip this step!
  • Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 426kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 54g (18%) Protein 19g (38%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 9g Cholesterol 22mg (7%) Sodium 571mg (24%) Fiber 7g (28%) Sugar 8g (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 426

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 426kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 54g 18%
Protein 19g 38%
Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9g 53%
Cholesterol 22mg 7%
Sodium 571mg 24%
Fiber 7g 28%
Sugar 8g 16%

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