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Summer Picnic Pasta Salad

Refreshing Summer Picnic Pasta Salad You’ll Crave All Season

This Summer Picnic Pasta Salad is a vibrant and delicious dish perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Feel free to swap for gluten-free orzo if preferred.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Cucumber Use slicing cucumbers and scoop out seeds for less moisture.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved for best texture and taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Chives or Scallions Chopped; substitute scallions for stronger flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Zest Freshly grated for best flavor.
  • 1 medium Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed.
  • 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil High-quality oil recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt Adjust to personal taste.
For the Mix-ins
  • 1 cup Kalamata Olives Pitted and roughly chopped; green olives can be an alternative.
  • 1 cup Feta Cheese Crumble into salad; vegan feta can be used for dairy-free option.
  • ¼ cup Pine Nuts Toasted; alternative nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds can be used.

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then cook 1 cup of orzo pasta according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, set aside to drain completely.
  2. Wash and slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Halve or quarter cherry tomatoes based on size and set aside with cucumber.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled orzo, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Add lemon zest and juice, chopped chives or scallions, olive oil, and sea salt. Mix gently with a spatula.
  4. Fold in chopped Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese, incorporating pine nuts. Stir gently to combine, keeping feta intact.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freezing is not recommended as it may alter texture.

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