Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad Recipe

A tantalizing bowl of grilled vegetable orzo salad is like a summer picnic in your mouth. The vibrant colors of the veggies dance on your plate, while the smoky aroma of the grilled goodness fills the air. Each bite bursts with flavors that remind you of sunny days spent outdoors with friends and family.

This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh produce and culinary creativity! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution, this grilled vegetable orzo salad will steal the show—no fancy chef skills required!

I vividly recall the first time I made this dish at a family gathering; everyone devoured it within minutes and asked for seconds—talk about instant popularity!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Orzo Pasta: This tiny rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with any ingredients in this salad.
• Zucchini: Select firm zucchinis; they add a mild sweetness when grilled.
• Bell Peppers: Choose a mix of colors for visual appeal; they add crunch and vibrant flavor.
• Red Onion: Grilling mellows its sharpness beautifully; opt for larger onions so you can slice them into thick wedges.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Use ripe tomatoes for a burst of freshness; they’ll become sweet when roasted.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; don’t skimp on this one!
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds zing; it brightens all the other flavors perfectly.
• Fresh Basil: Basil brings an aromatic touch; chop it up right before serving for maximum freshness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors present in this dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s clean and ready to go. You want those beautiful grill marks on your vegetables!

Prepare Your Vegetables: Wash all your fresh produce thoroughly. Cut zucchini into half-moons, bell peppers into strips, and onion into thick wedges. Halve cherry tomatoes if desired.

Toss with Olive Oil: In a large bowl, combine your chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This step ensures every bite is flavorful.

Grill the Veggies: Place your veggie mixture directly onto the grill grates. Grill for about 8-10 minutes until they’re tender and have charred marks—think smoky goodness!

Cook the Orzo: While the veggies are grilling, bring salted water to a boil in another pot. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 8-10 minutes usually does the trick.

Toss Everything Together: Once both components are cooked, drain the orzo and combine it with your grilled vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over everything for that zesty kick.

Add Fresh Herbs: Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top before serving. This adds an aromatic element that elevates your dish even further!

With these steps completed, you now have a delicious grilled vegetable orzo salad perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by grilling your vegetables first for maximum flavor. While they cool, cook the orzo according to package instructions, then combine everything together for a quick assembly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in any seasonal vegetables you love or add a dash of lemon juice for extra zing. You can also toss in some feta cheese for a creamy texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To enjoy again, just reheat gently on the stove or enjoy cold straight from the fridge!

I remember making grilled vegetable orzo salad for a summer barbecue, and everyone kept asking for seconds! It was a hit and totally reinvigorated my love for veggies.

FAQ

What vegetables work best in grilled vegetable orzo salad?

Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant are excellent choices for this salad.

Can I prepare grilled vegetable orzo salad in advance?

Absolutely! It tastes even better when the flavors meld overnight in the fridge.

Is grilled vegetable orzo salad vegan-friendly?

Yes! Just skip adding cheese to keep it plant-based and delicious.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines smoky grilled veggies with tender orzo pasta—perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 2 bell peppers (any color), cut into strips
• 1 large red onion, cut into thick wedges
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, toss zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill vegetables for about 8-10 minutes until tender and charred.
4. Meanwhile, boil salted water in a pot and cook the orzo according to package instructions (8-10 minutes for al dente).
5. Drain the orzo and combine it with grilled veggies in a large bowl.
6. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss in fresh basil before serving.

Notes

•  Feel free to swap any seasonal vegetables you prefer.
•  For added creaminess, consider mixing in feta cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg