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Home » Popular » Vegan » Tomato Orzo Salad

Tomato Orzo Salad

July 17, 2024Leave a Comment

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Tomato Orzo Salad ~ Quick and easy pasta salad with garden-fresh tomatoes and herbs in a light lemon dressing. via @thiswifecooks

Tomato Orzo Salad ~

Quick and easy pasta salad with garden-fresh tomatoes and herbs in a light lemon dressing.

Serve with Caprese Burgers or Lemon Dill Tofu.

Tomato Orzo Salad ~ Quick and easy pasta salad with garden-fresh tomatoes and herbs in a light lemon dressing.

Table of Contents

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  • Tomato and Herb Orzo Salad
  • Ingredients for Tomato Orzo Salad
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • How to Make Tomato Orzo Salad
  • FAQ
  • Storage
  • More Recipes You’ll Love!
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  • Tomato Orzo Salad
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Nutrition

Tomato and Herb Orzo Salad

I like this dish because it’s made with lots of fresh herbs and juicy tomatoes, all of which are abundant in late-summer gardens and farmers’ markets. It’s a perfect side dish for potlucks because it can be served cold or at room temperature. Toss in Roasted Chickpeas or Baked Tofu to make this side dish into a main course.

Tomato Orzo Salad ~ Quick and easy pasta salad with garden-fresh tomatoes and herbs in a light lemon dressing.

Ingredients for Tomato Orzo Salad

You will need the following: 

  • 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon creamy Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint chopped
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Ingredient Notes

  • Orzo Pasta – The small shape of this type of pasta makes it great for salads. Ditalini or small shells also work well. 
  • Olive Oil – Use extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
  • Lemon Juice—Fresh lemon juice provides a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the salad’s overall freshness.
  • Dijon Mustard – Adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor, helping to emulsify the dressing and bind the ingredients together.
  • Cherry Tomatoes – Grape tomatoes offer a similar burst of flavor and texture.
  • Red Onion – Adds a sharp, savory note and a little bit of crunch.
  • Scallions (Green Onions) – Adds a mild earthiness. 
  • Fresh Herbs – Basil and mint bring a fresh, aromatic flavor that highlights the garden-fresh quality of the salad.
  • Feta Cheese: Tangy feta adds a touch of salty contrast to the sweet tomatoes and fresh herbs. Use dairy-free cheese to keep this dish vegan.

Optional Add-Ins

Customize your orzo pasta salad recipe with one or more of these favorite mix-ins:

  • Olives: Halved kalamata olives or green olives add a briny, savory depth that pairs well with the fresh vegetables.
  • Spinach: Fresh baby spinach leaves add a boost of nutrients and a pop of green color to the salad.
  • Lemon Zest: A light sprinkle of lemon zest before serving enhances the lemon flavor and adds a bright, citrusy aroma.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Chopped artichoke hearts add a tender, slightly tangy texture that complements the orzo.
  • Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and pairs well with the other fresh vegetables.
  • More Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated burst of tomato flavor and a chewy texture.
  • Pine Nuts – Toast a handful of pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat and sprinkle over the top before serving. 

How to Make Tomato Orzo Salad

  • STEP ONE: Cook the Orzo. Cook the orzo according to package directions for al dente consistency. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
  • STEP TWO: Make the Dressing. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and ground black pepper. Pour the mixture over the cooked orzo and toss to coat.
  • STEP THREE: Combine Ingredients. Stir in the tomatoes, red onion, scallions, basil, and mint. Add the feta cheese and toss gently to distribute throughout.
  • STEP FOUR: Adjust and Serve. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Tomato Orzo Salad ~ Quick and easy pasta salad with garden-fresh tomatoes and herbs in a light lemon dressing.

FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute with ditalini, small shells, or any small pasta shape that holds up well in salads.
  • How far in advance can I make this salad? 
  • Can I add protein to make this a main course? Yes, adding chickpeas or baked tofu makes this a hearty main dish.
  • What other herbs can I use? Parsley, dill, or cilantro are all good choices for adding or substituting for the herbs in the recipe.

Storage

  • While this salad is best served the same day, you can prepare it up to a day ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and toss with a drizzle of olive oil before serving to refresh.
Tomato Orzo Salad ~ Quick and easy pasta salad with garden-fresh tomatoes and herbs in a light lemon dressing.

More Recipes You’ll Love!

  • Grape Tomato Salad​
  • Vegetable and Orzo Soup​
  • Southern Tomatoes and Rice​
  • Vegan Tomato Bisque​
  • Spinach Orzo Salad​

Follow This Wife Cooks on Flipboard | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Tomato Orzo Salad ~ Quick and easy pasta salad with garden-fresh tomatoes and herbs in a light lemon dressing.
Tomato Orzo Salad ~ Quick and easy pasta salad with garden-fresh tomatoes and herbs in a light lemon dressing.

Tomato Orzo Salad

Quick and easy pasta salad with garden-fresh tomatoes and herbs in a light lemon dressing.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: pasta salad, side dish, summer, tomatoes, vegan, vegetarian
Servings: 4
Calories: 248kcal
Author: Holly Gray
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon creamy Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
  • 2 tablespoons red onion chopped
  • 2 tablespoons scallions chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint chopped
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbled

Instructions

  • Cook the orzo according to package directions for al dente consistency. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and ground black pepper. Pour the mixture over the cooked orzo and toss to coat.
  • Stir in the tomatoes, red onion, scallions, basil, and mint. Add the feta cheese and toss gently to distribute throughout.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Nutrition

Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 309mg | Potassium: 208mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 346IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thiswifecooks or tag #thiswifecooks!
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Filed Under: Vegan Tagged With: dairy-free, make-ahead, pasta, quick and easy, side dish, tomatoes, vegan, vegetarian

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