Easy Pasta Salad Recipe - Perfect summer salad!

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat feta

💰Cheaper: ricotta

Low-fat feta reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

black olives

🥗Healthier: green olives

💰Cheaper: canned black olives

Green olives provide a different flavor profile.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

fresh parsley

🥗Healthier: fresh basil

💰Cheaper: dried parsley

Dried parsley is more affordable but less vibrant.

Boil the orzo pasta for 11 minutes instead of the recommended 9 minutes to make it a little more tender.

Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down and prevent sticking.

Drizzle a little bit of extra light virgin olive oil on the pasta and stir to stop it from sticking together.

In a mixing tray, combine the cooked orzo with chopped fresh onion, bell pepper, celery, and cucumber.

For the dressing, mix 2 packets of Good Seasons Italian salad dressing with 1/2 cup of plain white vinegar, 1 cup of light olive oil, and 6 tablespoons of water.

Add the zest of 2 lemons and chopped flat-leaf parsley to the dressing and blend until well combined.

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and mix thoroughly to combine everything.

Taste the salad and adjust the vegetable ratio according to preference, aiming for about half as much vegetable as pasta.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens