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Close-up of orzo pasta salad with sliced green olives, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped green onions, and slivered almonds. A purple-handled fork is partially visible among the colorful ingredients.
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Orzo Pasta Salad with Olives, Tomatoes & Lemon Dressing

My Orzo Pasta Salad with Olives, Tomatoes & Lemon Dressing is a fresh, easy side dish made with tender orzo, juicy tomatoes, olives, and a bright homemade lemon dressing. Perfect for picnics, family dinners, and even kid-friendly lunches.
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American
Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword easy pasta salad with olives, lemon orzo pasta salad, Mediterranean orzo salad, summer orzo salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Servings 6
Author Pamela Reed

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup sliced pitted olives green or black or mixture of both
  • 1 green onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds

For the dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small clove garlic finely minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  • Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cool water until cooled.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, olives, and green onion.
  • Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and cilantro.
  • Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
  • Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors blend.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle in the almonds and toss lightly so they stay crunchy.