Name: Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 60 ml extra virgin olive oil; 30 ml red wine vinegar; 15 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice; 5 ml honey; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2.5 ml Italian seasoning; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 270 g uncooked orzo pasta; 170 g cherry tomatoes, quartered; 65 g orange bell pepper, diced; 65 g yellow bell pepper, diced; 130 g cucumber, diced; 40 g red onion, finely chopped (optional); 40 g feta cheese, crumbled; 10 g fresh basil leaves, sliced; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re yearning for a vibrant, texture-packed, and utterly refreshing dish to brighten your table, the Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl is about to become your new favorite. Bursting with sunny colors from juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp peppers, cool cucumber, and flecks of fresh herbs, this salad isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a fresh, flavorful celebration in every forkful. Balanced with a tangy homemade dressing and creamy feta, every bite invites you to enjoy a symphony of tastes and textures, making the Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl perfect for lunch, potlucks, or a lively weeknight dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl shine is the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to bring color, crunch, and zest, ensuring the salad is as enjoyable to eat as it is to look at.

Extra virgin olive oil: The robust base for your dressing, lending richness and fruitiness.
Red wine vinegar: Adds brightness and a touch of tang that wakes up all the flavors.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Offers a clean, citrusy lift that keeps every bite lively.
Honey: Balances out the acidity in the dressing with just the right touch of sweetness.
Minced garlic: Brings a gentle bite of aromatic intensity to the dressing.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs for an easy Mediterranean flair.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Uncooked orzo pasta: The satisfying, tender foundation for your salad that soaks up all the zesty goodness.
Cherry tomatoes, quartered: Juicy and sweet, they add pops of color and summery flavor.
Orange and yellow bell peppers, diced: Their crunch and sweetness make the salad irresistibly fresh.
Cucumber, diced: Cooling and crispy, a must for contrast.
Red onion, finely chopped (optional): Optional, but brings a touch of sharpness and color.
Feta cheese, crumbled: Salty and creamy, a decadent finish to balance the veggies.
Fresh basil leaves, sliced: Fragrant and herbaceous, elevates each mouthful with a burst of green.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Don’t forget to check seasoning at the end!

How to Make Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Set a large pot of salted water to boil and pour in the orzo. Cook until the pasta is just al dente—tender but with a slight bite. This step is key, as overcooked orzo can turn mushy once dressed. Drain the orzo as soon as it’s ready and rinse it under cold water, which stops the cooking process and ensures a fluffy, separated texture for your Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl or glass jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. You’re looking for a well-blended, slightly thick dressing that has a balanced sweet-sour profile. The secret here is to emulsify the dressing so it coats every grain of orzo beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Salad Components

Transfer the cooled orzo to a spacious bowl and bring on the colors! Add in your cherry tomatoes, diced orange and yellow peppers, crisp cucumber, and red onion if you’re using it. Pour over the crumbled feta and sprinkle generously with sliced fresh basil. The Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl is all about creating visual appeal and flavor depth, so don’t be shy with the veggies and herbs.

Step 4: Dress and Finish

Drizzle the vibrant homemade dressing evenly over the salad mixture. Grab a large spoon or salad tongs and toss everything together gently, being careful not to smash the feta or bruise the basil too much. Taste to check for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if desired. At this point, your Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl is bursting with color and ready to serve!

Step 5: Serve or Store

If you’re serving right away, transfer the salad to your favorite platter or bowl and enjoy the freshness. Otherwise, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. You might notice the orzo absorbing some dressing upon chilling—if so, simply drizzle a smidge more olive oil and toss again before serving to revive it.

How to Serve Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl

Garnishes

Finish your Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl with extra crumbled feta, a scatter of fresh basil ribbons, and perhaps a light grind of black pepper. For even more sparkle, add a zesting of lemon or a pinch of toasted pine nuts. The garnishes not only elevate the look but also layer on fresh, nutty, and tangy notes.

Side Dishes

This salad plays well as both main and side. For a picnic or light dinner, pair it with grilled chicken, poached salmon, or herby shrimp. Warm pita, a bowl of hummus, or roasted vegetables make fantastic companions for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired spread alongside your Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring extra fun to the table by serving the Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl in individual mason jars for portable lunches, or pack it into leafy lettuce cups for an elegant appetizer. Layering the ingredients in clear bowls allows those trademark rainbow colors to really shine—perfect for a show-stopping brunch centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely as it sits, though you may want to freshen it up with a little extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil before serving the next day.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and isn’t ideal for the freezer, as the vegetables and orzo can lose their beautiful texture and become watery upon thawing. For optimal taste and crunch, make it close to when you plan to eat it.

Reheating

The Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl is intended to be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it lightly warmed, gently bring it to room temperature rather than fully heating, as heating can melt the feta and wilt the veggies.

FAQs

Can I make the Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the regular orzo for a gluten-free variety or try rice-shaped pasta made from corn or legumes. The rest of the components are naturally gluten-free so everyone can dig in.

What other vegetables can I add?

The beauty of the Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl is its adaptability. Toss in blanched green beans, sweetcorn, radish slices, or even roasted zucchini for extra flavor and crunch. Just aim to keep the balance of colors for that signature rainbow look!

How far ahead can I make this salad?

You can easily prepare the Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl up to a day in advance. If you’re making it ahead, wait to add the basil and extra feta until right before serving to keep everything looking and tasting fresh.

Is it suitable for a picnic or potluck?

Definitely! The Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl travels beautifully and holds up well out of the fridge for a couple of hours, making it an ideal choice for outdoor meals or parties.

What protein can I add to make it a meal?

Grilled chicken, flaked tuna, cooked chickpeas, or even hard-boiled eggs can be added to your Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl for a more filling main course. Their textures and flavors are terrific with the punchy dressing and bright veggies.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s equal parts fresh, easy, and absolutely gorgeous, look no further than the Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl. It’s the kind of beautiful, flavor-packed recipe you’ll crave all summer long—and happily share with friends and family. Give it a try and watch it disappear!

Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 27 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Rainbow Orzo Salad Bowl is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. The combination of fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and zesty dressing makes this salad a delightful option for lunch or a side dish.

Instructions

Cook the orzo – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold running water until cool. Set aside.
Prepare the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well emulsified.
Combine salad components – Transfer the cooled orzo to a large bowl. Add quartered cherry tomatoes, diced orange and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, red onion if using, crumbled feta, and sliced basil.
Dress and finish – Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve or store – Serve immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If the salad becomes dry after chilling, drizzle with a little extra olive oil and toss again before serving.

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