Simple Summer Orzo Salad

Let’s make this easy, refreshing summer salad. This Simple Summer Orzo Salad is quick to put together and a good crowd-pleaser.

Hi guys,

It’s been ages since I posted, and I apologize for the long absence. It’s just that life got in the way, and I had so much to do. I couldn’t keep up with all the work and stress. I just needed a break. I couldn’t take a break from work when I needed to. So I took a break from the blog. Honestly, I would prefer it if it was the other way around. Anyways, I hope to post regularly from now on. Thank you all for the lovely messages you sent me during this time, and I am working on all your recipe requests. 

Now, let’s make this delicious salad! This Simple Summer Orzo Salad is another one of our favorites. Besides this, we also love Tuna Macaroni Salad and Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad. It’s fantastic to serve throughout the year. The Summer Orzo Salad is versatile, quick to put together, and flavorful. 

I like serving this salad as a side for a crowd, and sometimes I have it as a main for myself. When I have it as a main, I reduce the amount of Orzo pasta and add more veggies. You can adapt it according to your liking.
This Simple Orzo Salad has simple ingredients that you can find in most of our kitchens.

How to make a vegetarian Orzo Salad

You can easily make it vegetarian by leaving the turkey ham out. If you eat eggs, you can add 2-3 hard-boiled eggs roughly chopped into the salad.

How to make a Vegan Orzo Salad

To make it vegan, leave the turkey ham out and use vegan mayo, and instead of honey: use a vegan sweetener of your choice.

Can I make the dressing without mayo

Yes, you can. Replace mayo with sour cream/yogurt or half yogurt and half sour cream.

What we need for the salad

Ingredients 

Pasta – use orzo, also called risoni pasta. If you don’t have orzo, you can use any other short/ small pasta for this salad.

Parsley – Fresh parsley is the best for this salad. Chop them finely or roughly to add to the salad. 

Veggies – I used Lebanese cucumbers. You can use the regular ones with or without seeds. 

I like adding cherry tomatoes. If it’s unavailable: finely dice a regular tomato without the seeds. 

Romaine lettuce works well with this salad. Add any lettuce that you prefer. 

I have made this salad with and without bell pepper. Use red/orange/yellow peppers. 

Ham – We like turkey ham. Use your favorite cold cuts/deli meat. You can also: add hard-boiled eggs if you don’t like deli meat or omit it to make it a vegetarian salad. 

Olives– I love using kalamata olives and black olives in this salad. The salad will still taste delicious without it. 

Toppings – My favorite toppings for this salad are cranberries and raisins. You can also add walnuts/almonds. 

For the salad dressing

Mayonnaise – Use regular mayo. If you don’t like mayo, replace it with some greek yogurt and sour cream. 

Lemon Juice– Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the best. If not lime, juice. 

Mustard – use spicy brown mustard/ regular mustard.

Honey – Use honey or sweetener of your choice to balance out the flavors. 

Herbs and spices– I like adding a little paprika for slight heat. 

Italian seasoning is best with this salad. But most of the time: I have made this salad without it. 

How to make Simple Summer Orzo Salad

1. Cook the orzo pasta according to the packet instructions and cool it. 
2. Make the dressing – In a small bowl: mix mayo, lemon juice, yellow mustard, honey, paprika, black pepper, and salt. 
3. Prep the veggies – Thinly cut the romaine lettuce, roughly chop the parsley, dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and ham, and quarter the cherry tomatoes.
4.  Assemble the Salad – Add all the veggies and ham into a large bowl. Pour the salad dressing into the salad and mix until everything is well coated. 
5.  Serve and enjoy!