Mediterranean Orzo Salad

This light and refreshing cold pasta salad is loaded with Mediterranean flavors like olives, tomatoes, and Asiago cheese.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 418 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 cup pitted Mediterranean olives, cut in half
• 1 cup finely diced Asiago cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil
• 0.5 lemon, juiced
• 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.5 cup diced red onion
• 0.5 cup red wine vinegar
• 1.5 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
• 0.5 (16 ounce) package uncooked orzo pasta
• 0.5 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Combine orzo, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, and Asiago cheese in a large bowl.

Step 3

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.