Skip all the calories found in most pasta salads, and load up instead on this fresh, tasty orzo pasta salad. Jam-packed with lots of grilled veggies and tossed with a simple vinaigrette, you’re definitely gonna want seconds!
I wonder if we could even count all of the salad recipes I’ve been sharing over the past few weeks.
Sorry? Summer is full-on salad season as far as I’m concerned. Can’t stop and WON’T stop.
Just be happy I’m binge-eating on salad instead of brownies. Or cookies. Or this deadly cake.
Salad is a good thing to binge on. Especially if it’s filled with pasta. And veggies, ’cause obviously we’re eating healthy here.
Seriously though guys, this salad IS, indeed healthier for you. I used whole wheat orzo pasta instead of white, threw in a boatload of summer veggies, and tossed it with a simple marinade, instead of a mayo dressing.
HEALTH-FOOD CITY! Sooooo go ahead and have 2 bowls.
You know you want tooooo…
This salad is one of my FAV lunch choices, but it’s so versatile that it’s perfect for a lighter dinner as well!
All you would have to do is add meat and you’ll basically have a full dinner on your hands. Or in your face, rather.
Vegetarian? No problem! Just skip the meat and load up on the veggies!
Okay, so this recipe is a SUPER-simple one. For real, it doesn’t get any simpler than this: Basically all you’re gonna do is grill up some summer veggies, toss ’em with some cooked orzo pasta, and douse it all in a simple lime vinaigrette.
KA-BOOM! Done and done.
Because this salad is so versatile and adaptable, don’t feel that you have to stop there! You can throw in really whatever ingredients you fancy! I’m thinking black olives, turkey, chicken, and/or any kind of cheese would go fabulously in this salad.
You will be the envy of everyone at lunch hour if you show up with this salad for lunch. And as I told you before, because this salad is so very versatile, you can totally make it for a cook-out or potluck side dish too!
Go ahead and indulge in this healthy orzo pasta salad. Your bikini will thank you. 😀
Grilled Veggie Orzo Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 medium squash halved
- 1 medium zucchini halved
- 2 medium sweet peppers halved and seeded
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb orzo pasta cooked according to package directions and 1/2 cup pasta cooking water reserved
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup minced fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat. Brush both sides of squash, zucchini, and sweet peppers with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill veggies, turning occasionally until veggies are tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer veggies to a cutting board and cut into thin slices once cool enough to handle.
- In a large bowl, toss veggies with orzo pasta. Set aside.
- In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine olive oil, lime juice, sugar, and garlic powder. Shake until smooth. Pour over pasta along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water. Stir in basil and season salad with salt and pepper. Refrigerate salad until ready to serve.
Notes
I’m a salad-aholic. What can I say? 😉
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
This orzo salad looks amazing! Love the sound of the grilled veggies- so delicious.
Sarah says
Thanks, Jess! 🙂
Kelly @ The Pretty Bee: Cooking + Creating says
I LOVE ORZO! It is so versatile. I love that you topped it will grilled veggies – so healthy and flavorful!
Annie @Maebells says
I love your flavors here! I can’t get enough grilled veggies lately, this is such a fun spin on a summer salad! Love it!
Sarah says
Thank you, Annie! I can’t get enough grilled veggies this time of year either! 😉
Danielle says
I’ve never really made orzo, but I’ve had it before and loved it. I love the fresh veggies in this dish, perfect for summer!
Sarah says
I don’t make orzo as often as I’d like either. Working on changing that! 😉
Joanne says
One should never apologize for eating the rainbow massive salad consumption! This is a big bowl of healthy beauty and I can’t wait to incorporate it into my summer eats!
Sarah says
I hope you get around to making this salad this summer, Joanne! I know you’ll adore it! 😉
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
I looooove orzo! And anything that’s grilled automatically makes things feel like summer 🙂
Sarah says
Anything grilled ALWAYS has that same effect on me too. 😀
Allison says
Everyone would totally envy me if I ate this for lunch! I love orzo and find that I don’t eat enough of it/there are not enough orzo recipes out there. Such a fun pasta. Also, for me, nothing is better in the summer than grilled veggies!
Sarah says
Thanks Allison! There are TOTALLY not enough orzo-lovers in the world. Idk why! The stuff is amazing! 😉
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I love grilled squash and zucchini! This orzo salad looks amazing. Perfect as a side or light dinner! I’ve never tried coconut sugar before. I’m intrigued!
Sarah says
Oh my gosh, you have GOT to get your hands on some coconut sugar, Christin. Love the ‘stuff! 😉
Danae @ Recipe Runner says
I am seriously on a salad binge lately and I’ll be adding this one to my list to try! I love grilled veggies and the lime vinaigrette with it sounds perfect!
Sarah says
Yay! Glad I’m not alone in the salad-binge department! 😉 LMK if you try this salad, Danae!
Isadora @ She Likes Food says
Girl, I can hardly keep up with all the recipes you post! Your family is so lucky to have to cook for them all the time!! Can you please come here and cook for me?! Please don’t ever stop posting salad recipes!! I love orzo and just saw some gluten free orzo at the store the other day and I will be going back tomorrow and buying it! This salad looks amazing!
Sarah says
Izzy, you are seriously so sweet—your comments ALWAYS make my day! And awesomeness that you got your hands on some gluten-free orzo! Now you have no excuse NOT to make this salad. LOL.
Kelly @ Trial and Eater says
I had orzo for the first time only recently, and I’m hooked! Yours looks delicious and super healthy!
Sarah says
Thanks so much, Kelly! Isn’t orzo the tastiest thing ever? 😉