Italian Orzo Pasta Salad

This twist on a basic Italian pasta salad is a sport changer. The orzo pasta offers this salad the proper chunk 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? You then’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.
• Straightforward to prep the night time earlier than and able to throw collectively once 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, providing you with the proper chunk. And the feel of this salad is just about excellent. In case 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 excellent crunch. This pasta salad and my Mediterranean Chickpea Salad have turn into my go-to for meal-prepping a fast and engaging lunch!

Ingredient Notes

• Orzo Pasta: This short-cut pasta resembles rice and is discovered within the pasta aisle at most grocery shops. Prepare dinner to al dente for a agency, chewy chunk.
• Olives: the sliced black olives in a can are an awesome possibility, or you may 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 an awesome crunch and tangy zip. You may additionally substitute with banana peppers.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes additionally work, and you should use crimson or yellow.
• Recent Mozzarella: Cubed contemporary mozzarella offers a pleasant mushy texture to the salad. Nevertheless, you may at all times use these little mini mozzarella balls or shredded mozzarella as a substitute.
• Salad Dressing: You may make your dressing with contemporary herbs over dried. You’ll wish to use one tablespoon of finely minced contemporary herbs for each teaspoon of dried herbs the recipe requires.

Optionally available Add-Ins

Meat: We love these mini pepperonis for the way nicely they mix with the dimensions of the opposite elements, however when you’re not a fan, you may simply swap with a unique protein. We suggest grilled hen, floor Italian sausage, or sliced salami as a substitute.

Veggies: We love a superb crunch to our pasta salads. In case you’re seeking to load up with extra veggies, you may 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 an effective way to make this pasta salad a little bit extra hearty and filling. Garbanzo beans (chickpeas) pair nicely with this salad for his or her measurement and texture.

Cheese: Be at liberty to make use of your favourite cheese. You should use mini mozzarella balls or shredded mozzarella as a substitute of chopped contemporary mozzarella to avoid wasting time. Parmesan can be an awesome different that might pair completely with the Italian flavors.

Make-Forward Directions

This pasta salad is tremendous simple 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 relax. Once you’re able to eat, all you’ve acquired to do is chop the veggies and toss all of it collectively in an enormous bowl. Carried out and performed!