Orzo Pasta Salad

Orzo Pasta Salad combines tender orzo with fresh vegetables, zesty dressing and savory mix-ins for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish.

Prepare this flavorful side dish a day or two ahead to let the ingredients meld together, making it an ideal addition to your next picnic or casual gathering. Recipes for Pasta Salad always make the gathering!

Orzo Pasta Salad combines tender orzo with fresh vegetables, zesty dressing and savory mix-ins for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish.

Perfect for picnics, potlucks or an easy side!

Italian Pasta Recipes with Fresh Ingredients will meet your pasta needs!

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Can You Freeze Orzo Pasta Salad

Yes, you can freeze orzo pasta salad, but its texture may change after thawing.

To freeze, avoid adding fresh vegetables, herbs, or delicate dressings like mayonnaise, as they don’t freeze well.

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Instead, freeze the orzo and any hearty ingredients like cooked vegetables or proteins separately. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

orzo pasta salad in a red bowl

When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh ingredients and dressing just before eating to restore its flavor and texture.

Salad Ingredients

Scroll on down to the orzo pasta salad recipe card for the full ingredient measurements.

  • olive oil
  • garlic
  • tomatoes
  • orzo
  • capers
  • caper liquid
  • lemon juice
  • fresh thyme
  • fresh parsley
  • salt and pepper

How to Make Orzo Pasta Salad

Add olive oil and minced garlic to a cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium-high.

Sauté for 2 minutes, add tomatoes, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and set aside.

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In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, capers with their liquid, lemon juice, thyme, parsley, and the tomato-garlic mixture. Toss well to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

orzo pasta salad ready to serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Stir before serving chilled, paired with grilled chicken breasts or your favorite main dish.

More Pasta Salad Recipes

Discover even more delicious ways to elevate your meals with these pasta salad recipes.

Orzo Pasta Salad

Orzo Pasta Salad

Orzo Pasta Salad combines tender orzo with fresh vegetables, zesty dressing and savory mix-ins for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 T. olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely minced
  • 1 large or 2 medium tomatoes, washed and chopped, seeds and excess liquid discarded
  • 1 ½ c. dried orzo, cooked according to package directions and cooled
  • 2 T. capers
  • 1 T. caper liquid
  • 1 T. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 T. fresh thyme, stems removed and chopped

  • 1 T. fresh parsley, stems removed and chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

    1. Add olive oil and minced garlic to a cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium-high. Sauté for 2 minutes, add tomatoes, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
    2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, capers with their liquid, lemon juice, thyme, parsley, and the tomato-garlic mixture. Toss well to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
    3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Stir before serving chilled, paired with grilled chicken breasts or your favorite main dish.

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