Summer Orzo Salad

What else can you add to summer orzo salad?

This summer orzo salad can be customized with almost any vegetable you find at the farmers market. Try adding grilled zucchini, roasted asparagus or sauteed bell peppers, or include a handful of fresh herbs such as basil or parsley. To make the salad more filling, add a protein like chicken, shrimp, tofu or chickpeas. Diced avocado is never a bad idea, either; it would add some creaminess to the salad.

What do you serve with summer orzo salad?

Summer orzo is one of our favorite orzo recipes and pairs well with a lot of different dishes. You can serve alongside things like barbecued chicken, marinated grilled ribeyes or grilled salmon. Or serve it as a light main course with some delicious crusty homemade bread.

Can you make summer orzo salad in advance?

This orzo salad requires about 30 minutes for the flavors to come together, but you can also let it marinate overnight. The leftovers are good for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, but the vegetables may get a little soggy. If you’re preparing it in advance for an event, combine the cooked orzo with the olive oil dressing and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Cook the remaining ingredients within 24 hours of serving so they maintain their tender-crisp texture.

—Lindsay Mattison, Taste of Home Contributing Writer