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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional) - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped For this rainbow orzo salad, I love using fresh, bright ingredients. Each one adds color and flavor. Orzo pasta is the base. It cooks quickly and has a nice bite. I often use cherry tomatoes for sweetness. They burst with flavor in every bite. Cucumbers add a crisp texture, while bell peppers bring crunch and color. Sweet corn adds a lovely pop, whether fresh or frozen. Red onion gives a hint of sharpness. If you like, add Kalamata olives for a briny touch. Feta cheese adds creaminess and a salty bite, while parsley finishes with freshness. - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste The dressing is key to this salad. I use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. Fresh lemon juice brightens every bite. Honey adds a hint of sweetness, balancing the acidity. A sprinkle of salt and fresh black pepper enhances all the flavors. This dressing brings the salad together and makes it shine. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide above. First, fill a pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook it until it's al dente. Check the package for timing, as it can vary. Once done, drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly. In a large bowl, mix the cooled orzo with the chopped vegetables. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, corn kernels, and finely chopped red onion. If you like olives, toss in the sliced Kalamata olives too. Use a spatula to gently combine everything, ensuring the veggies and orzo are well mixed. Grab a smaller bowl and whisk together the dressing ingredients. Combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and well mixed. This dressing will bring all the flavors together. Now, drizzle the dressing over the orzo mixture. Use your spatula to toss everything gently. Ensure all the ingredients are coated well without breaking the orzo. This step adds a burst of flavor to every bite. Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley. This adds a creamy texture and a fresh taste. Then, taste the salad. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed. For the best flavor, let the salad rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This time allows the flavors to mingle beautifully. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. To make the orzo just right, rinse it after cooking. Rinsing stops the cooking. It also keeps the orzo from sticking together. This step is key for a fluffy salad. Serve your Rainbow Orzo Salad fresh for the best taste. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This time lets the flavors blend well. For a beautiful presentation, use a large, colorful bowl. You can also layer the salad in mason jars. This makes it fun and easy for picnics or lunch. Taste your salad before serving. If it needs more flavor, adjust the seasonings. Add salt or pepper to suit your palate. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out! {{image_4}} You can easily change up the veggies in your Rainbow Orzo Salad. Try adding fresh spinach for a peppery bite. Zucchini also works great and adds a nice crunch. If you want it dairy-free or vegan, skip the feta cheese. You can replace it with avocado for creaminess or use tofu for protein. These swaps keep the salad light and fun. While the original dressing is yummy, you can experiment with different flavors. Balsamic vinaigrette adds a sweet tang, perfect for summer days. If you love herbs, a fresh pesto dressing can brighten the salad. These options let you tailor the taste to match your mood or meal. Want to make your salad heartier? Add grilled chicken for a protein kick. Chickpeas are a great plant-based choice, adding fiber and texture. For seafood lovers, shrimp makes a tasty addition. These proteins not only boost nutrition but also make the salad more filling and satisfying. To keep your Rainbow Orzo Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after serving. This salad tastes best within three days. If you notice any wilting or off smells, it's time to toss it. You can freeze this salad, but it may change texture. To maintain freshness, freeze only the orzo and veggies separately. Store them in freezer-safe bags. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as needed before serving. To refresh the salad after refrigeration, add a splash of olive oil and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine. This will help revive the flavors and make the salad taste fresh again. If it looks dry, you can also add a bit of water or additional dressing to enhance moisture. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections! Rainbow Orzo Salad stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Look for signs like wilted veggies or a sour smell. If you spot these, it’s time to toss it. Yes, you can use whole grain orzo. Whole grain orzo adds more fiber and nutrients. It has a nuttier taste than white orzo. This makes your Rainbow Orzo Salad even healthier. Absolutely! Rainbow Orzo Salad is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it in portions. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This will help keep the salad crisp and fresh. You can serve this salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. It also pairs well with roasted veggies or a piece of fish. For a complete meal, add a slice of crusty bread or a light soup. You can find the full recipe to get started on this delicious side dish! This Rainbow Orzo Salad is colorful, fresh, and easy to make. We explored the main ingredients and how to mix them just right. We showed how to make a tasty dressing that adds punch to the salad. Remember to let it sit for a while to enhance flavors. Try adding different veggies or proteins for a fun twist. Use these tips to enjoy a vibrant meal any time. Enjoy this salad fresh and share it with friends!

Rainbow Orzo Salad

Brighten up your meals with this Vibrant Rainbow Orzo Salad! Packed with colorful veggies, creamy feta, and a zesty dressing, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Learn how to easily whip up this delicious salad in just 30 minutes. It's a feast for the eyes and the taste buds! Click through to explore the full recipe and make your next meal a beautiful, tasty experience. Enjoy a healthy, vibrant dish that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon honey

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Orzo: Fill a pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.

    Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, corn kernels, finely chopped red onion, and sliced olives (if using). Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix the vegetables and orzo together, ensuring even distribution.

      Make the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is well emulsified and all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

        Combine Salad and Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the orzo mixture. Use a spatula to toss the ingredients gently, ensuring that every piece is well coated without breaking apart the orzo.

          Add Cheese and Herbs: Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley, being mindful to keep the feta intact. This will add creaminess and a fresh flavor to the salad.

            Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding additional salt or pepper according to your palate.

              Allow to Rest: For best flavor, allow the salad to sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving, letting the ingredients mingle and the flavors develop.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, vibrant bowl to showcase its colorful ingredients. Garnish the top with additional crumbled feta and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added touch. For a fun and portable option, layer the salad ingredients in mason jars, creating an attractive and convenient way to enjoy this delicious dish on the go!