Chilled Italian Orzo Salad

This 20-minute Italian foodie creation 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. 

Growing up, Italian pasta salad was a staple at our family picnics. I remember the vibrant colors of the pasta, tomatoes, and cucumbers, all tossed in a creamy dressing. It was the perfect summer dish, light and refreshing.

As I got older, I started to experiment with different variations of the classic recipe. I swapped out the traditional spiral pasta for orzo, which added a fun twist to the dish.

I also ditched the store-bought dressing in favor of a homemade vinaigrette. The result was a fresher, more flavorful salad that I was proud to share with friends and family.

One of my favorite additions to this salad is fresh mozzarella cheese. It adds a creamy, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. I love how it melts into the pasta and dressing, creating a delicious, gooey bite.

This Italian pasta salad is the perfect dish for a potluck or picnic. It’s easy to make, and it always impresses. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! 

Added Secret Recipe – Homemade Dressing

For a truly unique twist on this classic salad, I like to use a homemade vinaigrette. It’s easy to make and adds a burst of flavor. To make the vinaigrette, I whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, 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

Pepperoncini: 

These provide just the right amount of spice and tang. [I always add pepperoncini to my salads because they add a little bit of heat and a tangy flavor that I enjoy.]

Salami: 

Pick your favorite variety.

McCormick Perfect Pinch – Salad Supreme: 

This seasoning blend adds a touch of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the salad.

Ingredients For A Zesty Italian Salad Dressing

Olive Oil: 

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

Red Wine 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.

The Recipe

I had a bunch of leftover orzo sitting in my pantry, and I was craving something light and refreshing. So I decided to whip up this delicious Italian Orzo Salad!

First, I cooked the orzo according to the package instructions. Then, I drained it and rinsed it with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Next, I grabbed a large bowl and tossed in the cooked orzo, along with some black olives, green olives, chopped cucumber, diced tomatoes, pepperoncini, and salami.

For the dressing, I used a store-bought Zesty Italian dressing, but you can definitely make your own if you prefer. I also added a couple of tablespoons of Salad Supreme seasoning for extra flavor.

After everything was in the bowl, I gave it a good toss to combine all the ingredients. I tasted it and decided to add a bit more of the Salad Supreme seasoning, just to take it up a notch.

Finally, I garnished the salad with some fresh parsley for a pop of color. To make it chilled, I left the bowl in the freezer for 30 minutes up to an hour. And voila, my Italian Orzo Salad was complete! It was so light, flavorful, and perfect for a summer lunch.

The Dressing

To make the Zesty Italian Dressing, I combined olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried basil.

I whisked the ingredients together until they were well combined. If the dressing was too thick, I added a little water to thin it out.

I hope you’ll enjoy making this recipe as much as I did!

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.

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