Go Back
–+ servings
Top-down view of glistening orzo pasta salad with red cherry tomatoes and yellow corn in a clear glass bowl. (Cold BBQ Side Dishes)
FL Recipes

Cold BBQ Side Dishes: The Ultimate Zesty Orzo Pasta Salad

A refreshing, glistening orzo pasta salad featuring fresh cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, and a translucent herb vinaigrette. The perfect vibrant side dish for summer BBQs and outdoor potlucks.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe WhatsApp
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb (450g) Dry orzo pasta Cooked al dente
  • 1 pint (300g) Cherry tomatoes Halved
  • 1 cup (175g) Sweet corn kernels Fresh or thawed
  • 1/4 small Red onion Paper-thin slivers
  • 1/2 cup (15g) Fresh flat-leaf parsley Finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) Extra virgin olive oil High quality for glistening finish
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) Red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard Acts as emulsifier
  • To taste Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Large clear glass mixing bowl For mixing and presentation
  • 1 Fine-mesh strainer To drain orzo without losing grains
  • 1 Mason Jar For emulsifying the vinaigrette

Method
 

Cook the Orzo
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo for 7-8 minutes until al dente.
  2. Drain in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and remove starch.
Assemble the Salad
  1. Halve the tomatoes and thinly sliver the red onion. Place in a clear glass bowl with corn and cooled orzo.
  2. Whisk or shake oil, vinegar, and mustard in a jar until emulsified and translucent.
  3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss until glistening. Finish with a heavy scattering of chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalProtein: 7gFat: 12gFiber: 3g

Notes

Rinse the orzo thoroughly to prevent clumping.
Allow the salad to sit for 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Keyword Cold BBQ Side Dishes,Orzo Pasta Salad,summer side dish

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Pin Recipe