Best 2 Picnic Orzo Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful picnic experience with a refreshing Orzo Pasta Salad, a culinary masterpiece that combines the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette, this colorful salad is a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Discover the culinary magic of this pasta salad, along with a collection of equally enticing recipes, including a luscious strawberry shortcake, a savory grilled chicken, and a refreshing cucumber-mint cooler. Prepare to embark on a delightful picnic journey, where taste and memories intertwine.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

PICNIC ORZO PASTA SALAD



Picnic Orzo Pasta Salad image

A great summer salad. My family loves this! When it is BBQing season we make it alot. You can change the amount of peppers or omit one(not a fan of green pepper) and add more of the peppers you like. I usually play with the oil and vinegar mixture to suit my taste. This is also better when it sits for awhile.

Provided by Ck2plz

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) box orzo pasta
1/3 cup green pepper
1/3 cup yellow pepper
1/3 cup red pepper
1/4-1/3 cup red onion
1/3-1/2 cup packaged sun-dried tomato
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 (4 ounce) package feta cheese

Steps:

  • Cook orzo for 7 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Add peppers, onion and sundried tomatoes to the orzo pasta and mix well.
  • Add oil and gradually add in the vinegar. Use your discretion if you want to add the entire 1/2 cup of vinegar.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Chill for at least 1 hour.
  • Fold in feta cheese right before serving.

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD



Mediterranean Orzo Salad image

This light and refreshing cold pasta salad is loaded with the flavors of the Mediterranean, and pairs well with grilled proteins, such as fish, pork, chicken or steak. If you make this in advance, reserve a bit of the dressing to add right before serving, as the pasta has a tendency to soak up the dressing as it sits over time.

Provided by Kim's Cooking Now

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

½ (16 ounce) package uncooked orzo pasta
½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup diced red onion
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup pitted Mediterranean olives, cut in half
1 cup finely diced Asiago cheese
1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh garlic
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup red wine vinegar
½ lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain well. Rinse with cold water and drain well again.
  • Combine orzo, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, and Asiago cheese in a large bowl.
  • Whisk garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette. Drizzle over the orzo mixture and toss lightly to combine. Add basil and parsley and mix well. Let sit for 20 minutes for flavors to blend, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418.2 calories, Carbohydrate 34.7 g, Cholesterol 16.1 mg, Fat 27 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 10.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 819 mg, Sugar 2.6 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh vegetables, flavorful cheese, and a good-quality olive oil will make all the difference in the taste of your salad.
  • Cook the orzo pasta al dente. This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked orzo will be mushy and unpleasant.
  • Let the salad cool completely before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and the salad to hold its shape better.
  • Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, or oregano. This will add a pop of color and flavor.
  • Serve the salad with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. This will help to brighten the flavors and make the salad more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Picnic orzo pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is versatile and can be customized to your liking, making it a great choice for potlucks and parties. So next time you are looking for a light and refreshing salad to enjoy, give this recipe a try.

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