Chilled Italian Orzo Salad

If you’re looking for a fresh summer salad, this Chilled Italian Orzo Salad with Chickpeas is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

This 20-minute Italian pasta salad is best served cold. This is a classic Italian twist to the American Pasta salad and I will also share a homemade dressing to go with it.

The orzo pasta gives it a light, tender texture, while the chickpeas add plant-based protein to keep you full and energized. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick lunch you can feel good about.

You can serve it as a side dish or a main course. This Italian orzo salad is a crowd-pleaser that keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

Other Related Recipes

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Chickpea Pomegranate Apple Crunch Salad

Healthy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad For Summer

Quick and Healthy Asian Chicken Raisin Salad Recipe

Added Secret Recipe – Homemade Italian Dressing

For a truly unique twist on this classic salad, I like to use a homemade vinaigrette. It’s very easy to make. To make the vinaigrette, I whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper and fresh herbs like basil or oregano.

The tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta and cheese, creating a perfectly balanced dish. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create your signature vinaigrette.

Ingredients For Orzo Salad

Orzo:

A small rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. [I love using orzo in this salad because it has a great texture and absorbs the flavors of the dressing and other ingredients perfectly.]

Black and Green Olives:

Briny olives add a punch of flavor ranging from salty to mild to slightly sweet. [I also love the combination of black and green olives because they add a briny and slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.]

English Cucumber:

Crisp cucumbers add a light and refreshing flavor throughout.

Cherry Tomatoes:

Juicy tomatoes add just the right amount of moisture and brightness

ChickePeas

Italian Dressing

Ingredients For Italian Salad Dressing

Olive Oil:

A high-quality olive oil forms the base of the dressing, adding richness and flavor.

Vinegar:

This vinegar provides acidity and balances the richness of the olive oil.

Dijon Mustard:

Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor and helps to emulsify the dressing.

Garlic and Onion Powder:

These flavorings add depth and complexity to the dressing.

Dried Oregano and Basil:

These herbs add a classic Italian flavor profile.

Salt and Pepper:

These seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the dressing.

Directions

Cook the Orzo:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 7–9 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Add Feta Cheese Cubes
Cut the feta cheese into small cubes and fold in the feta cheese to the salad. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Serve:
Give the salad a quick stir before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Chef’s Tips

Tip # 1 Cook the Orzo Al Dente

Don’t overcook the orzo. It should be cooked through but still have a little bit of bite.

Tip # 2: Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh vegetables and herbs make all the difference in this salad. Use the freshest ingredients you can find.

Tip # 3: Customize Your Salad

Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to this salad. Some other great additions include feta cheese, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.

Tip # 4: Adjust the Dressing

If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or additional vinegar. If it’s too thin, you can thicken it with a little cornstarch slurry.

Tip # 5: Let it Chill

For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

Some popular dressings for orzo salads

Some of the most common and well-loved dressings include:

— Italian Dressing: A classic blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic, dried Italian herbs (like oregano and basil), salt, and pepper. This dressing adds a zesty, savory flavor that pairs well with ingredients like chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs.

— Lemon Herb Dressing: Made with olive oil, fresh lemon juice (and sometimes zest), red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This bright and fresh dressing is perfect for a light, summery orzo salad loaded with colorful veggies and herbs.

— Greek-Style Lemon Dijon Dressing: Combining olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and seasonings like oregano and black pepper, this creamy yet tangy dressing complements feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh dill in Mediterranean-inspired orzo salads.

— Simple Lemon Vinaigrette: A straightforward mix of olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. It’s easy to whip up and brings a clean, refreshing taste that enhances the natural flavors of the salad ingredients

Storage and Refrigeration Tips for Orzo Salad

1- Always keep orzo salad in a tightly sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge

2- If properly stored, orzo salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.

3- To keep the salad fresh and prevent sogginess, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. Similarly, add fresh herbs, spinach, or other delicate veggies right before eating.

4- Orzo salad can dry out in the fridge; loosen it with a drizzle of olive oil or a little extra dressing before serving to restore moisture and flavor.

Avoid freezing: Because of fresh vegetables and dressing, freezing orzo salad is generally not recommended as it can affect texture and taste

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make this salad ahead of time. In fact, the flavors will have time to meld together, making the salad even more delicious. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I substitute the orzo with another type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta, such as rotini or penne. However, orzo is a great choice because it has a small size and cooks quickly.

Can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make this salad vegetarian or vegan by omitting the salami. You can also use a vegan dressing if desired.