Name: Rainbow Orzo Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered; 1/2 orange bell pepper, diced; 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced; 1 cup diced cucumber; 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional); 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for Rainbow Orzo Salad! This vibrant and colorful dish bursts with fresh veggies, tangy feta, and a lively homemade dressing that brings everything together. Each bite is a celebration of crisp textures and Mediterranean-inspired flavors, making it perfect for lunch, picnics, or sharing at a potluck. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your dinner table or wow your friends at a gathering, Rainbow Orzo Salad is the kind of flavorful, feel-good meal that everyone will crave again and again.

Rainbow Orzo Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret behind a truly unforgettable Rainbow Orzo Salad is all in the fresh, simple ingredients. Each one brings its own special color, crunch, or zest to the mix, working together to create a dish that’s both stunning and delicious. Let’s break down what goes into making this salad such a feast for the senses.

Extra virgin olive oil: Lends a smooth, fruity richness that forms the backbone of the zesty dressing.
Red wine vinegar: Adds the just-right tang to brighten up every bite.
Lemon juice: Brings a pop of citrusy freshness that makes the veggies shine.
Honey: Balances the sharpness of the vinegar and lemon, mellowing the dressing with a touch of sweetness.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the dressing with a punch of aromatic depth.
Italian seasoning: Delivers herby Mediterranean notes throughout the dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for pulling all those flavors together—add to taste.
Orzo pasta (uncooked): The tender, rice-shaped pasta serves as the hearty base that soaks up all the flavors.
Cherry tomatoes (quartered): Bring juicy sweetness and a gorgeous pop of red.
Orange bell pepper (diced): Adds crunch and sunshine-hued color to the bowl.
Yellow bell pepper (diced): Maximizes the rainbow effect while offering more juicy crunch.
Diced cucumber: Delivers a cool, refreshing bite in every forkful.
Red onion (chopped, optional): Provides sharpness and an extra splash of vibrant color—perfect if you like a little zing.
Feta cheese (crumbled): Creamy, tangy, and perfectly salty; the classic Mediterranean finishing touch.
Fresh basil (sliced): Fresh and fragrant, basil ties all the flavors together in the most delicious way.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Don’t forget to taste and season at the end for a flavor-packed dish!

How to Make Rainbow Orzo Salad

Step 1: Cook the Orzo Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your orzo pasta. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s just al dente—the pasta should still have a tiny bit of bite. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes, but check the package just to be sure. Draining and rinsing with cold water will not only stop the cooking but also keep the orzo fluffy and loose, perfect for soaking up that tangy dressing.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the orzo cooks, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Alternatively, toss everything into a jar and give it a good shake (kids love to help with this). It’s amazing how such simple ingredients can create a dressing that’s both bright and full of depth.

Step 3: Cool and Fluff the Orzo

Once the orzo is cooked and drained, rinse it under cold water for about a minute to cool it down quickly and keep it from clumping. Transfer the orzo to a large mixing bowl and give it a gentle fluff with a fork. This step makes sure every piece is tender and ready to mingle with the veggies.

Step 4: Combine Veggies and Cheese

Now comes the fun part! Add your quartered cherry tomatoes, diced orange and yellow bell peppers, refreshing cucumber, and red onion (if using) into the bowl of orzo. Sprinkle over the crumbled feta cheese and the vibrant freshly sliced basil. Toss everything together so the colorful ingredients are evenly distributed—this is when it starts looking like a true Rainbow Orzo Salad!

Step 5: Dress and Toss

Drizzle that vivid, aromatic dressing all over the salad. Toss everything again and watch the flavors start to come alive as the orzo soaks in the zesty, herby goodness. Give it a little taste and season with extra salt or pepper if needed. The salad is ready to serve right away, but letting it chill in the fridge for a bit can help the flavors really meld together.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Serve your Rainbow Orzo Salad immediately for an ultra-fresh salad experience, or spoon it into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy. This make-ahead flexibility is what makes it perfect for parties, lunches, or easy weeknight meals.

How to Serve Rainbow Orzo Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra crumbled feta, a few whole basil leaves, or even a dusting of fresh cracked pepper on top can turn your Rainbow Orzo Salad into a dish that’s both stunning and mouthwatering. Try adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few lemon zest curls for that “wow” factor before bringing it to the table.

Side Dishes

Rainbow Orzo Salad pairs so beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or juicy kebabs. It’s also right at home alongside pita bread, hummus, or any Mediterranean-inspired mezze. For a completely vegetarian spread, serve it with a stuffed eggplant or a chickpea stew. The flavors play nicely with so many other dishes!

Creative Ways to Present

Show off the gorgeous colors by serving your Rainbow Orzo Salad in a clear glass bowl, or pile it high on a big serving platter with vibrant edible flowers as a garnish. You can even serve it in individual mason jars for picnics and lunchboxes, or stuff it in avocado halves for a fun twist at brunch. However you present it, the rainbow hues always steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra Rainbow Orzo Salad stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually get better after a few hours as everything has time to marinate together! If the salad seems a little dry after sitting, add a drizzle more olive oil or a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Freezing

While the veggies and cheese taste best fresh, you can freeze the undressed orzo portion if needed. Transfer cooled orzo to a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to use, thaw the orzo and toss with freshly chopped veggies and the dressing to build a new batch of Rainbow Orzo Salad.

Reheating

Rainbow Orzo Salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you’ve made it ahead and want to restore its fresh bite, let it sit out for about 20–30 minutes before serving and toss it well. If the salad was in the fridge, refresh it with a quick squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt.

FAQs

Can I make Rainbow Orzo Salad a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, making Rainbow Orzo Salad ahead can help the flavors meld together for an even tastier dish. Just give it a quick toss before serving, and check if you need to adjust the seasoning or add a dash of olive oil.

What substitutes can I use for feta cheese?

If feta isn’t your favorite, feel free to swap it for goat cheese, fresh mozzarella pearls, or even a handful of grated parmesan. For a dairy-free option, try using diced avocado or a vegan feta substitute.

Can I use different vegetables?

Definitely! Rainbow Orzo Salad is incredibly versatile. Try adding spinach, arugula, roasted zucchini, olives, or even artichoke hearts to mix things up. The more color and crunch, the better!

Is this salad gluten-free?

As written, Rainbow Orzo Salad uses regular orzo pasta, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute with gluten-free orzo or tiny rice-shaped pasta made from corn or other grains available in most health food stores.

How long can Rainbow Orzo Salad sit out at a picnic?

If you’re taking your Rainbow Orzo Salad to an outdoor gathering, it can safely sit out for about two hours. Keep it chilled in a cooler until serving time for maximum freshness, especially if the weather is warm.

Final Thoughts

Rainbow Orzo Salad isn’t just a treat for the eyes—it’s a celebration on your plate, guaranteed to spark joy with every bite! If you’re looking for something fresh, easy, and loved by all ages, this salad delivers every time. Bring a little color to your next meal and see why this one’s a favorite you’ll return to all year long.

Rainbow Orzo Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 9 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Rainbow Orzo Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal at home. With a zesty dressing and a variety of fresh vegetables, it’s a refreshing option for any occasion.

Instructions

Make the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo until al dente, according to package directions.
Prepare the dressing. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Combine ingredients. Drain and rinse the orzo, then place in a large bowl. Add tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and basil. Toss to combine.
Add dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve or chill. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Mediterranean