Italian Orzo Pasta Salad: Do you ever find yourself craving a delicious and refreshing summer dish that is both hearty and light? Look no further, because we have the perfect solution: Italian Orzo Pasta Salad. This dish packs a punch of flavor and texture, with a combination of savory herbs, tangy dressing, and crisp veggies. This post is packed with tips and tricks to make it not only easy but also satisfying. Whether you are a busy working professional, a busy parent, or just someone who loves good food, this recipe is for you. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family with this irresistible dish. Let’s dive in!

This delicious easy salad recipe is bursting with fresh vegetables, zesty herbs, and tangy dressing, each bite is a burst of flavor in your mouth. With chopped pepperoncini peppers, two kinds of olives, fresh tomatoes, bell pepper, zucchini, and more! Topped with an easy to make dressing. Your guests are going to love this delicious summer salad recipe.

How to Make Italian Orzo Pasta Salad

The great thing about this homemade pasta salad is it can be customized to what you like. Below is a peek into what goes into making this delicious Mediterranean Orzo Salad. Scroll down further for ideas on how to customize your Italian Pasta Salad.

ORZO SALAD RECIPE INGREDIENTS LIST-full printable recipe below in recipe card

EASY PASTA SALAD

1 (pound) box Orzo pasta
20 medium black pitted olives, sliced
10 green large pitted olives, sliced
½ cup pepperoncini peppers, chopped
15 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped (large)
1½ cups zucchini, chopped (large)
½ cup fresh basil, chopped
1 (4 ounce) bag pine nuts, toasted

HOMEMADE ITALIAN DRESSING INGREDIENTS LIST

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup + 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
5 tablespoons lemon juice (2 medium lemons)
2 tablespoons pepperoncini juice
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD INSTRUCTIONS

Cook pasta according the the package instructions.
Pour pasta into a large fine mesh strainer and rinse in cold water. Set aside to drain.
While the pasta is draining, prepare salad ingredients.
Add pasta to a large bowl (with a tight fitting lid) along with the olives, pepperoncini, tomatoes, red peppers, zucchini, basil, and toasted pine nuts (look below for instructions about how to toast nuts). Stir to combine.

HOMEMADE DRESSING INSTRUCTIONS

To a large mason jar or bowl, add the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, pepperoncini juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Shake or whisk until combined, pour over prepared salad.
Stir to combine making sure all the salad contents is coated with the dressing.
Cover with an airtight lid and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
SERVES ABOUT 25 (½ cups)

Salad Making Tips

COLD SALAD: If the salad is cold from being refrigerated, sit it out on the counter for at least 30 minutes before serving. THE REASON? When a salad with an oil based dressing is cold the oil will solidify. Since there are no dairy products in the salad dressing, serving this salad at room temperature is safe.

STRONG SALAD: I love my Italian salad dressing to have a bold flavor. There’s an easy solution to a strong salad dressing. Adding extra olive oil will mute the strong flavors of the dressing. Be careful, only add 1 tablespoon at a time.

How to Toast Nuts

Nuts are delicious all on their own. Elevate the flavor even more by toasting them. Add more flavor, crunch and aroma to all your favorite recipes. Toasting nuts can be done in the oven or stove top. This illustration is for a stove top.

Pour nuts in a dry skillet. Heat on medium high
Stir frequently, keep a close eye on them, this will only take a few minutes.
When you can smell them and see a few brown spots the nuts are done (about 5 minutes).

Italian Orzo Salad Alteration Ideas

The additions to this summer salad recipe are endless. Below is a list of some of my favorite salad ingredients. Not the only ones you can use. 😉

FETA CHEESE
RED ONION
PARMESAN CHEESE
FRESH PARSLEY
MOZZARELLA CHEESE
SPINACH
ENGLISH CUCUMBER
ARTICHOKE HEARTS (MARINATED)
ROTISSERIE CHICKEN
MINI PEPPERONI

MORE PARTY SALAD RECIPES

LATEST POSTS

In conclusion, Italian orzo pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that should not be overlooked. By using fresh, high-quality ingredients and incorporating a variety of flavors and textures, this salad can be a standout addition to any meal. From its rich history to its endless customization possibilities, Italian orzo pasta salad truly has something for everyone. So why not give it a try and discover your own favorite version? Let this dish be your conversation starter and bring people together over a bowl of delicious Italian orzo pasta salad. Buon appetito!💗Sheryl

Italian Orzo Pasta Salad

Yield: Makes 25 (½ cup) Servings

Ingredients

For the Salad:

1 (pound) box Orzo pasta
20 medium black pitted olives, sliced
10 green large pitted olives, sliced
½ cup pepperoncini peppers, chopped
15 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped (large)
1½ cups zucchini, chopped (large)
½ cup fresh basil, chopped
1 (4 ounce) bag pine nuts, toasted

For the Dressing:

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup + 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
5 tablespoons lemon juice (2 medium lemons)
2 tablespoons pepperoncini juice
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

For the Pasta Salad:

Cook pasta according the the package instructions. Pour pasta into a large fine mesh strainer and rinse in cold water. Set aside to drain.
While the pasta is draining, prepare salad ingredients.
Add pasta to a large bowl (with a tight fitting lid) along with the olives, pepperoncini, tomatoes, bell pepper, zucchini, basil, and toasted pine nuts (look below for instructions about how to toast nuts). Stir to combine.

For the Salad Dressing:

To a large jar or bowl, add the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, pepperoncini juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Shake or whisk until combined, pour over prepared salad.
Stir to combine making sure all the salad contents is coated with the dressing.
Cover with an airtight lid and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
SERVES ABOUT 25 (½ cups)

Notes

TIPS:

STRONG SALAD: I love my Italian salad dressing to have a bold flavor. There's an easy solution to a strong salad dressing. Adding extra olive oil will mute the strong flavors of the dressing. Be careful, only add 1 tablespoon at a time.

HOW TO TOAST NUTS: Nuts are delicious all on their own. Elevate the flavor even more by
toasting them. Add more flavor, crunch and aroma to all your favorite
recipes. Toasting nuts can be done in the oven or stove top. This
illustration is for a stove top.

Pour nuts in a dry skillet. Heat on medium high

Stir frequently, keep a close eye on them, this will only take a few minutes.

When you can smell them and see a few brown spots the nuts are done (about 5 minutes).

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Italian Orzo Pasta Salad