Basil Mint Orzo Salad Recipe

This vibrant Basil Mint Orzo Salad is a refreshing and flavorful summer dish! Inspired by FoodNetwork.com, this recipe features perfectly cooked orzo pasta tossed with a zesty lemon-honey vinaigrette, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and fragrant mint. Easy to make and perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light weeknight dinner.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 271 kcal
Protein 14g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Basil Mint Orzo Salad 87

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Basil Mint Orzo Salad

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

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How to Make Basil Mint Orzo Salad

  1. Bring 4 cups of broth to a boil in a saucepan over high heat.
  2. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and stir to combine.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover, and simmer for 7-8 minutes, or until the orzo is tender but still firm. Stir occasionally.
  4. Drain the cooked orzo in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside to cool completely.
  5. While the orzo is cooling, prepare the vinaigrette: In a blender, combine 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.
  6. Blend until the vinaigrette is emulsified and smooth.
  7. Once the orzo is completely cool, pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and gently toss to coat evenly.
  8. Add 1 1/2 cups halved cherry or grape tomatoes, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint to the bowl.
  9. Gently toss everything together to combine.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  11. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

27 g

Sugar

12g

Fat

10g

Carbs

9g