This bright Barley Pasta Salad Pair it with creamy goat cheese and roasted vegetables for 30 minutes of summery goodness. Served with a tangy balsamic mustard sauce and herby basil, it hits the spot every time.
Why You’ll Love This Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
This will be your favorite 30-minute recipe when you need a hearty and refreshing side dish.
- Very suitable for summer. This orzo salad is packed with fresh veggies like juicy tomatoes, green peppers, and baby zucchini.
- Fast. It's ready in half an hour!
- Versatile. Turn this side dish into a main dish with shrimp, juicy steak, chicken or turkey.
- Suitable for beginners. You just roast the veggies, cook the orzo, and stir it all together.
what do you need
Garlic balsamic mustard dressing balances the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities.
For roasted vegetables
- zucchini – Don't peel it so it holds its shape well.
- squash – You could swap it out for more zucchini or sweet potatoes.
- shallot – Yellow onions also work.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Don't worry if they aren't as plump anymore.
- Red chili – You can use any color bell pepper.
- Olive oil – Vegetable oil, corn oil, and canola oil are all good swaps.
- salt and pepper – You can use kosher salt or garlic salt.
Make seasoning
- Balsamic Vinegar – If using, halve dosage Balsamic vinegar reduction.
- Stone ground mustard – Dijon mustard also works.
- Dried basil – Feel free to use fresh basil.
- garlic – Fresh garlic and minced garlic are best.
- salt and pepper – I prefer kosher salt and fresh black pepper.
- Olive oil – You can also use avocado oil.
For salad
- Rice grain—— Add regular or whole wheat orzo.
- Goat cheese – Original goat cheese is the best. Try using a creamier version so it melts faster.
simple changes
Butter shrimp, juicy chicken, and sautéed mushrooms are all easy ways to add more flavor and texture to every bite.
How to Make Roasted Vegetable Orzo Pasta Salad
It's like making your favorite pasta salad, but with a mustard-vinegar dressing and tangy goat cheese. Scroll to the bottom of the post to see the full recipe card.
- Get your vegetables ready. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place all vegetables in a bowl and add olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Bake them. Place the vegetables on the grill for 10 minutes, or until tender. Remove them from the heat and set aside.
- Make the dressing. Stir all the seasonings together until smooth and slightly thickened. It should stick to the back of the spoon.
- Cook the orzo. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes, or according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Mix everything. Place orzo, roasted vegetables, goat cheese, and balsamic vinegar sauce in a bowl until cheese is completely melted. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for success
This easy orzo pasta salad is perfect for using up leftover grilled veggies and steak.
- Exchange cheese. If you don't want to use goat cheese, you can opt for freshly grated Parmesan or feta cheese. The feta cheese won't melt but will add a similar flavor.
- Use leftovers. When you are in a hurry, add mine Air Fryer Roasted Carrots or Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms Go to orzo to save time. This way you don’t have to roast the vegetables from scratch.
- Makes it extra smooth. When everything is mixed together, add 1/4 cup heavy cream or 1/2 cup heavy cream for a creamier texture.
- Turn the heat to high. Sprinkle pasta salad with red pepper flakes, Aleppo peppers, or drizzle with chili oil to taste.
- Make it a main dish. chop the rest Grilled Filet Mignon, Pan seared rib eye steakor Cast Iron Cowboy Steak Serve with a salad as a main course.
What to serve with orzo salad
This Creamy Orzo Pasta Salad is a great side dish to your favorite dinner. Serve with me Hickory Crusted Salmon or Grilled Salmon with Garlic Butter. i like it too New York Steak with Balsamic Vinaigrette or Air Fryer Chicken Breasts. Other ideas include Air Fryer Asparagus and Air Fryer Green Beans.
Store correctly
Make sure leftovers are completely cool before storing.
- refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If it tastes sour, discard immediately.
- To reheat: Microwave for 20 seconds until hot.
More Easy Summer Side Dishes
describe
This creamy orzo pasta salad recipe with balsamic mustard dressing and fresh roasted vegetables is an easy 30-minute side dish.
vegetable:
dressing:
the rest:
- Vegetables: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Chop all vegetables.
- Place all vegetables in a large bowl and season with olive oil, salt and pepper. Throw on coat.
- Place the vegetables in the roasting basket and roast for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until tender.
- Take 2 cups of the finished vegetables and set them aside for later in the week. Place the remainder in a bowl and set aside for the rest of the dish.
- Seasoning: Meanwhile, combine balsamic vinegar, stone ground mustard, garlic, basil, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Stir until completely combined, then slowly add the olive oil. Continue stirring until the dressing thickens. (You’ll know it’s done when it sticks to the back of the spoon)
- Rest: Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Pour the rice grains into boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes. When done, pour the strained orzo over the roasted vegetables. Crumble the softened goat cheese over the orzo, then pour the balsamic vinegar sauce over the entire mixture. Mix together until cheese is melted and everything is thoroughly combined.