Dana’s Orzo & Pepper Pasta Salad 🌶️
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 110 per serving
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviews: 1
Description:
Dana’s Orzo & Pepper Pasta Salad is a delightful creation shared by Dana and her mom. This colorful pasta salad features a medley of peppers for a vibrant presentation. It’s dressed in a delicious garlic expression dressing, though you can easily swap it for your favorite Italian dressing. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite for gatherings, picnics, or even a simple weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow pepper, chopped
- 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Garlic expression dressing (or Italian dressing), to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare Orzo Pasta: Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse it well under cold water. This helps prevent clumping and cools down the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl. |
| 2 | Chop Peppers: Clean the peppers thoroughly and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. For a colorful presentation, use a combination of green, red, and yellow peppers. Add them to the bowl with the orzo pasta. |
| 3 | Add Tomatoes and Beans: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and the drained garbanzo beans. These ingredients add a refreshing sweetness and a hearty texture to the salad. |
| 4 | Dress the Salad: Drizzle the garlic expression dressing (or Italian dressing) over the salad, starting with a small amount and adjusting to taste. The dressing adds a zesty and tangy flavor that complements the vegetables and pasta perfectly. |
| 5 | Season and Mix: Season the salad with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Give everything a good toss to ensure that the dressing coats each ingredient evenly. This ensures every bite is bursting with deliciousness. |
| 6 | Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top of the salad for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. |
| 7 | Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, give the salad a final toss to recombine the flavors. Serve it as a main dish for a light and satisfying meal or as a delightful side at your next gathering. Enjoy the vibrant colors and refreshing taste of Dana’s Orzo & Pepper Pasta Salad! |
Tips:
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Customize Your Peppers: Feel free to mix and match your favorite peppers. You can use all three colors for a visually stunning dish or stick to one variety for a more uniform look.
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Make It Ahead: This pasta salad can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or parties. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
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Add Protein: For an extra boost of protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this salad a complete meal.
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Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a crowd or want leftovers for the week, simply double the ingredients. This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
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Fresh Herb Substitution: If you don’t have parsley on hand, you can also use fresh basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
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Adjust Dressing: The amount of dressing can be adjusted to your preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed, tossing well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
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Serve with a Twist: This pasta salad pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread, grilled vegetables, or a light soup for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy this delightful pasta salad that combines the freshness of peppers, the heartiness of beans, and the comfort of pasta—all in one colorful bowl! Dana’s Orzo & Pepper Pasta Salad is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic in the park, or a quick weekday meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen! 🥗🍅🌿
