Crisp & Zesty Coleslaw Orzo Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Summer’s bounty sings through this vibrant coleslaw orzo salad that combines fresh crunch with Mediterranean flair.

Tender orzo pasta weaves delightful texture into every delectable bite.

Crisp vegetables dance alongside herbs and a zesty dressing, creating a refreshing symphony of flavors.

Colorful and light, this salad delivers serious satisfaction in mere minutes.

Chopped cabbage and bell peppers add vibrant crunch to the mix.

Each forkful promises a cool, satisfying experience that will elevate your summer meal.

You’ll love how this simple yet stunning dish comes together with minimal effort.

What You Need For Coleslaw Orzo Salad

• Orzo: Tiny, rice-shaped pasta that creates a delightful texture for salads, choose high-quality brands for best results.

• Coleslaw Mix, Bell Pepper, Green Onions: Provides vibrant colors and crisp texture, select fresh and colorful vegetables for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
• Parsley: Adds bright, herbaceous notes and fresh green color, choose fresh leaves with vivid green appearance.

• Olive Oil: Creates smooth and rich base for dressing, opt for extra virgin for deeper flavor.
• Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness, choose white wine or apple cider vinegar for balanced acidity.
• Honey: Balances dressing with natural sweetness, use local raw honey for complex flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides sharp and zesty undertone, select smooth and high-quality mustard.
• Garlic: Introduces robust depth, use fresh cloves for most intense flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste, select sea salt or kosher salt.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground gives best results.
• Celery Seed: Introduces unique earthy undertone, use sparingly for subtle impact.

• Almonds: Delivers delightful crunch and nutty complexity, choose roasted and sliced varieties.

Kitchen Tools For Coleslaw Orzo Salad

• Large pot: Essential for boiling orzo pasta to perfect al dente texture.
• Colander: Needed to drain and rinse the cooked orzo quickly.
• Small bowl or jar: Perfect for whisking and mixing the zesty dressing.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining salad ingredients and tossing with dressing.
• Cutting board: Useful for chopping green onions and parsley.
• Sharp knife: Helps prepare garnish ingredients with precision.

Steps To Mix Coleslaw Orzo Salad

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook orzo in a pot of salted water until tender and springy, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and cool down by rinsing with cold water, then set aside.

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

Blend olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and celery seed in a jar. Mix thoroughly and taste, tweaking flavors as desired.

• Create Vibrant Mixture

Toss cooled orzo with crisp coleslaw mix, colorful bell peppers, zippy green onions, crunchy almonds, and fresh parsley in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad and gently combine until every ingredient is glossy and well-coated.

• Let Flavors Dance

Allow salad to rest for 15-30 minutes, giving ingredients time to mingle and develop a harmonious taste profile. Serve at room temperature or chilled as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, or barbecue dishes.

Helpful Tips For Coleslaw Orzo Salad

• Pasta Perfection: Toast orzo briefly in a dry pan before boiling to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
• Crunch Control: Keep almonds crisp by adding them just before serving to maintain their satisfying texture and prevent sogginess.
• Dietary Swap Solutions: Replace honey with maple syrup for vegan version; use gluten-free orzo for celiac-friendly option; substitute almonds with sunflower seeds for nut-free alternative.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare salad up to 24 hours in advance, storing dressing separately and mixing just before serving to preserve vegetable crispness and prevent soggy texture.
• Flavor Boost Techniques: Add fresh herbs like dill or mint for extra brightness; incorporate crumbled feta cheese for tangy Mediterranean twist; experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or champagne for unique flavor profiles.

Ways To Serve Coleslaw Orzo Salad Cold

• Summer Picnic Star: Pack this vibrant salad in a cute mason jar for beach outings or park gatherings with friends and family.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the salad with grilled shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or crispy tofu cubes to transform it into a complete meal with extra nutrition.
• Texture Twist: Sprinkle extra toasted almonds or sunflower seeds right before serving to add a delightful crunch and enhance the salad's overall mouthfeel.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad a day in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify for an even more delicious experience.

How To Store Coleslaw Orzo Salad For Later

• Quick Chill Strategy: Spread the coleslaw orzo salad on a large, flat baking sheet to cool faster, helping ingredients maintain crisp texture and preventing soggy results.
• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping dressing and ingredients separate until just before serving to maintain maximum crunch and flavor quality.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Keep crunchy elements like almonds and green onions in a separate sealed container to add right before eating, preventing them from becoming soft and losing their delightful texture.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the salad components in advance – cook orzo, chop vegetables, and mix dressing – then combine just before serving for a fresh, vibrant side dish that saves time during busy weekdays.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 7

Crisp Coleslaw Orzo Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy coleslaw orzo salad delivers Mediterranean-inspired comfort with crisp vegetables and tangy dressing. Fresh herbs and crunchy textures make this dish perfect for summer gatherings you’ll want to share with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) orzo pasta (uncooked)
• 2 cups (480 ml) coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage & carrots)
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) red bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) green onions (chopped, including green tops)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar for a lighter tang)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds creaminess & depth)
• 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp celery seed (optional, but adds great flavor!)
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) sliced almonds (toasted, for crunch)
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped, optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil orzo in salted water until perfectly al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
2. Dressing Creation: Whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and celery seed until smooth and fully emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Ingredient Fusion: Combine cooled orzo with coleslaw mix, bell peppers, green onions, toasted almonds, and parsley in a large mixing bowl. Pour prepared dressing over the mixture and toss gently to ensure complete coating.
4. Flavor Melding: Let the salad rest for 15-30 minutes, allowing ingredients to absorb dressing and develop a cohesive flavor profile.
5. Serving Suggestion: Present the orzo coleslaw chilled or at room temperature as a versatile side dish complementing grilled proteins, seafood, or barbecue fare. Enjoy the dynamic texture and bright, zesty flavors.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook orzo precisely to avoid mushiness, aiming for al dente with a slight bite.
• Dressing Balance: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious emulsion that clings evenly to ingredients.
• Chill for Flavor: Let salad rest 15-30 minutes to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper taste profiles.
• Versatile Serving: Adapt the salad for different dietary needs by swapping nuts, using gluten-free pasta, or making vegan by replacing honey with maple syrup.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg