Description
Italian Orzo Salad is a vibrant, light dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer with its refreshing flavors and textures. This easy-to-make salad combines orzo pasta with a medley of colorful vegetables, olives, and salami, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Ideal for cookouts, picnics, or as a quick lunch, this salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also impresses with its visual appeal. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes! Whether served as a side or a delightful main course by adding protein, this Italian Orzo Salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces orzo (regular or gluten-free)
- 20 large black pitted olives (sliced)
- 20 green olives (sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ medium English cucumber (sliced and quartered)
- ½ cup salami (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ¼ cup pepperoncini (sliced)
- ½ cup Zesty Italian Salad Dressing
- 2–4 tablespoons McCormick Perfect Pinch – Salad Supreme
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in a large pot of boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo with black olives, green olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, salami, and pepperoncini.
- Pour in the Zesty Italian Dressing and McCormick Perfect Pinch – Salad Supreme seasoning. Toss until well mixed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize your salad by adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Ensure you rinse the orzo well after cooking to prevent stickiness. Make it ahead of time for an easy grab-and-go option during busy weekdays.