This Healthy Orzo Salad is so easy to make! Featuring fresh veggies and a speedy homemade cilantro lime dressing, you'll want to make this pasta salad again and again!I included the recipes for my cilantro lime dressing and simple Italian dressing - choose your favorite!
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta and a pinch of salt and cook for 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water (I do this using a fine mesh sieve, easy peasy!) to halt the cooking process. Add pasta to a large bowl and set aside.
While your noodles cook, chop your veggies and make the dressing.
I paired this salad with fresh cilantro and my go-to cilantro lime dressing. Not a fan of cilantro? Skip it entirely and opt for the Italian dressing recipe above! To make the dressing, combine ingredients in a lidded jar and shake vigorously to emulsify. Allow to sit while you toss together your salad, then shake again before serving.
Add all your veggies to the orzo with the dressing and mix well. Salad may be enjoyed right away (room temperature) or chilled briefly before serving. Both options are delicious!
Notes
Feel free to top with any of your favorite pasta salad extras if you'd like! Some may like to add feta, olives, or even chickpeas to the mix. Have fun with it and be sure to let me know what deliciousness you cook up!Making this salad ahead of time? It's great the next day and fabulous in packed lunches for work, school, or picnics. Simply make a little extra dressing to drizzle over the salad the next day, as the pasta will soak up a some of the dressing while it chills. SO GOOD!Nutrition facts below are an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.