Go Back
+ servings
Summer Picnic Pasta Salad

Bright and Refreshing Summer Picnic Pasta Salad Recipe

Enjoy this Summer Picnic Pasta Salad, a vibrant mix of fresh veggies and pasta, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Cooks quickly and can be substituted with gluten-free if needed.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Slicing Cucumber Deseeded for better texture.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved or quartered for size uniformity.
  • 2 tablespoons Chives/Scallions Chopped for mild onion flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Fresh juice is recommended.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil High-quality oil enhances the taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt Adjust according to preference.
For the Flavor Boosters
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives Chopped finely.
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese Vegan feta can be used for a dairy-free option.
For the Crunch
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts Toast for richer flavor.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then cool for 10 minutes.
  2. Wash the cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, deseed, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled orzo, cucumbers, tomatoes, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped chives, olive oil, and sea salt. Add kalamata olives and feta.
  4. Incorporate toasted pine nuts gently into the salad, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, either cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Chill the orzo immediately after cooking. Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 5 days, flavors improve with chilling.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!