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Fresh Summer Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Roasted Zucchini and Feta

fresh summer orzo pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta salad featuring roasted zucchini, creamy feta, and fresh herbs, perfect for light and healthy summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (about 270g)
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
  • ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese (about 130g)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Slice 2 medium zucchinis into ½-inch thick rounds, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
  3. Roast the zucchini in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and tender.
  4. While zucchini roasts, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled orzo, roasted zucchini, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, basil, and diced red onion if using.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until well coated.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding extra lemon juice or salt as desired.
  9. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Roast zucchini until slightly caramelized for best flavor. Rinse orzo after cooking to prevent mushiness. Adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice or salt as needed. Can be made ahead by roasting zucchini and cooking orzo in advance, then assembling before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: orzo pasta salad, roasted zucchini, feta cheese, summer salad, healthy pasta salad, easy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/fresh-summer-orzo-pasta-salad-recipe-with-roasted-zucchini-and-feta-perfect-for-easy-healthy-meals/