Italian Orzo Pasta Salad

This twist on a basic Italian pasta salad is a recreation changer. The orzo pasta offers this salad the right chew and texture. Plus, it’s loaded with crisp veggies and a simple do-it-yourself French dressing dressing.

Love orzo as a lot as we do? Then you definately’ll love our Lemon Chicken and Orzo.

Why My Recipe

• Loaded with completely crisp and crunchy veggies and all of the scrumptious orzo.
• Selfmade Italian dressing that’s fast and simple to make.
• Simple to prep the night time earlier than and able to throw collectively if you want it!

What’s nice about this salad is the dimensions of every ingredient. The orzo pasta, mini pepperoni, and small items of mozzarella all match collectively on one spoon, supplying you with the right chew. And the feel of this salad is just about good. In the event you’re fearful a few soggy pasta salad, this isn’t that! Cooking the orzo pasta to al dente and mixing it with olives, peppers, and tomatoes makes this pasta salad mild with that good crunch. This pasta salad and my Mediterranean Chickpea Salad have develop into my go-to for meal-prepping a fast and attractive lunch!

Ingredient Notes

• Orzo Pasta: This short-cut pasta resembles rice and is discovered within the pasta aisle at most grocery shops. Cook dinner to al dente for a agency, chewy chew.
• Olives: the sliced black olives in a can are a fantastic possibility, or you can go inexperienced.
• Mini Pepperonis: Simply swap for normal, sliced pepperoni or salami.
• Inexperienced Bell Pepper: Substitute with yellow or crimson bell peppers for a sweeter taste.
• Pepperoncini: Offers a fantastic crunch and tangy zip. You could possibly additionally substitute with banana peppers.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes additionally work, and you should use crimson or yellow.
• Contemporary Mozzarella: Cubed contemporary mozzarella offers a pleasant gentle texture to the salad. Nevertheless, you can at all times use these little mini mozzarella balls or shredded mozzarella as an alternative.
• Salad Dressing: You may make your dressing with contemporary herbs over dried. You’ll need to use one tablespoon of finely minced contemporary herbs for each teaspoon of dried herbs the recipe requires.

Elective Add-Ins

Meat: We love these mini pepperonis for the way effectively they mix with the dimensions of the opposite components, however for those who’re not a fan, you may simply swap with a special protein. We advocate grilled hen, floor Italian sausage, or sliced salami as an alternative.

Veggies: We love an excellent crunch to our pasta salads. In the event you’re seeking to load up with extra veggies, you can add one other bell pepper (yellow and crimson are sweeter), some chopped crimson onion and zucchini, or perhaps a diced jalapeño for a little bit kick of warmth

Beans: Add some extra substance to your salad! Beans are a good way to make this pasta salad a little bit extra hearty and filling. Garbanzo beans (chickpeas) pair effectively with this salad for his or her measurement and texture.

Cheese: Be at liberty to make use of your favourite cheese. You need to use mini mozzarella balls or shredded mozzarella as an alternative of chopped contemporary mozzarella to avoid wasting time. Parmesan can also be a fantastic various that may pair completely with the Italian flavors.

Make-Forward Directions

This pasta salad is tremendous straightforward to make forward. You’ll be able to whip up the dressing 1 to 2 days early and stash it within the fridge. Then prepare dinner the pasta the night time earlier than and retailer within the fridge to sit back. Whenever you’re able to eat, all you’ve obtained to do is chop the veggies and toss all of it collectively in a giant bowl. Accomplished and finished!