This Orzo and Roast Pepper Salad is not only tasty but also super simple to whip up. With the sweetness of roasted peppers and the savory kick from chorizo, it makes for a bright, colorful dish on your table.
This recipe addresses the challenges of roasting peppers efficiently, creating a pasta salad with long-lasting freshness and providing a hearty, satisfying meal option.
I often find myself needing a hearty meal prep option that can last a few days. This salad really helps with that! It’s filling, satisfying, and keeps well in the fridge, so I don’t have to worry about what to eat for lunch or dinner.
What I love about this recipe is that it only takes about 50 minutes in total. You can roast the peppers while the orzo cooks, and the flavors come together in such a nice way. Plus, it’s a pretty flexible recipe, you can swap the sausage for something vegetarian if that fits your needs better.
If you enjoy fresh and easy salads, this is a great choice! If you like noodle dishes too, try my Easy Cold Sesame Noodle Salad next.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion , The combination of sweet roasted peppers and salty feta creates a deliciously tangy and smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Meal Prep Friendly , This salad stays fresh in the fridge for days, making it a great option for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Customizable , You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste, whether you want to add more veggies or keep it vegetarian.
- Chewy Texture , The orzo pasta adds a nice chewy bite that pairs wonderfully with the soft roasted peppers and feta, making each mouthful satisfying.
Ingredient Notes
- Bell peppers: These give the salad a nice crunch and a pop of color. If you’re in a hurry, those jarred roasted peppers work just fine!
- Orzo: This tiny pasta is key for creating that chewy texture. If you can’t find orzo, feel free to swap in another small pasta shape!
- Spicy chorizo sausage: It adds that savory kick everyone loves. For a meatless option, Halloumi cheese brings a great texture and flavor instead!
- Feta cheese: Feta crumbles bring a nice tangy contrast to the other flavors. Make sure it’s fresh for the best taste!
- Fresh parsley: This brightens everything up and adds a bit of freshness. Don’t skimp on it; just be sure to chop it finely for even distribution!
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Recipe Tips
- If orzo pasta becomes mushy, cook in salted water until just al dente, then drain quickly to maintain a firm texture.
- When roasting peppers, ensure they’re cooked long enough to become soft and fully caramelized for the best flavor.
- If the salad tastes bland, adjust seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, or vinegar to brighten up the flavors just before serving.
- For a fresh taste, add lemon juice and olive oil right before serving to maintain their vibrant qualities in the dish.
- If short on time, opt for quality roasted peppers from a jar to save time without sacrificing flavor in the salad.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this orzo pasta salad alongside a slice of crusty bread or grilled meats for additional heartiness. Pairing it with seasonal vegetables boosts freshness and offers more choices for your meal.
- This salad can complement other dishes like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a light fish entree at any gathering. It’s also suitable for meal prepping to simplify your week or weekend brunch plans.
- Consider drizzling a light vinaigrette over the salad just before serving to add brightness. A sprinkle of fresh herbs heightens the flavor and enhances the presentation for your guests.
Storage Guidelines
- To keep your orzo pasta salad fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This keeps ingredients fresh.
- Freezing: Wrap the salad tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Room Temperature: Avoid storing at room temperature. This method risks spoilage and is not recommended for best quality.
Recipe Variations
- You can use any small pasta shape, such as ditalini or farfallini, in place of orzo for a different texture.
- Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to amp up the flavor profile of your salad.
- Either include grilled chicken for added protein or substitute Halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option that offers a unique taste.
- If you’re preparing a larger portion, double the orzo to 500 g and adjust other ingredients accordingly for balanced flavors.
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
Orzo and Roast Pepper Salad
A vibrant and hearty salad made with roasted peppers, orzo, chorizo, and feta, perfect for a refreshing meal.
Equipment
- Oven tray
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 5 bell peppers or sweet pointed peppers red and yellow
- 2 tablespoon olive oil for roasting
- 2 red onions cut into wedges
- 250 g orzo / risoni
- 4 tablespoon olive oil for salad
- 2 cloves garlic finely diced
- 1 red chilli finely diced
- 125 g spicy chorizo sausage diced
- 3 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1-2 teaspoon sweet paprika powder or flakes
- lemon juice to taste
- small bunch fresh parsley finely chopped
- 200 g feta cheese
- 125 g cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 bunch fresh basil
- sea salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven and tossing those bell peppers with 2 tablespoon olive oil. You want to see them getting a lovely golden color and releasing a sweet aroma. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Toss 2 red onions, cut into wedges, into the oven alongside the peppers, letting them get tender and slightly charred. If they start to brown too quickly, you may need to turn down the heat.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add 250 g orzo, cooking until it’s just al dente. You will know it is ready when it has a bit of bite to it, not mushy. Be sure to drain it right away.
- In a pan, heat a splash of olive oil and sauté 125 g spicy chorizo sausage, diced, until it is sizzling and the oil takes on a delicious, spicy scent. Watch closely, as chorizo can overcook and become tough.
- In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1-2 teaspoon sweet paprika powder, or flakes, and lemon juice to taste. Use a taste check to ensure the flavors balance.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked orzo with the roasted peppers, onions, sautéed chorizo, 2 cloves garlic, finely diced, and 125 g cherry tomatoes, halved. Add the small bunch of fresh parsley and 1 bunch fresh basil, finely chopped, but do not overmix.
- Crumble 200 g feta cheese into your salad, letting it combine gently with the other ingredients. Ensure the chunks remain intact for texture.
- Finally, sprinkle in sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.
Notes
Storage Tips: Keeps in the fridge for at least 5 days, improves with time.
Expert Tips: If orzo pasta becomes mushy, cook in salted water until just al dente, then drain quickly to maintain a firm texture. When roasting peppers, ensure they are cooked long enough to become soft and fully caramelized for the best flavor. If the salad tastes bland, adjust seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, or vinegar before serving. For a fresh taste, add lemon juice and olive oil right before serving to maintain vibrant qualities. If short on time, opt for quality roasted peppers from a jar.
Reheating Instructions: This salad is best served fresh; however, if needed, you can gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds, ensuring not to overheat.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or pair with grilled meats for a heartier meal. Top with additional fresh herbs just before serving for enhanced flavor.
Recipe Variations: Add grilled chicken for extra protein or incorporate roasted zucchini for more vegetables. Use different types of cheese like goat cheese or ricotta for variation.
Ingredient Notes: Select fresh bell peppers for roasting to enhance sweetness and flavor. For orzo, other small pasta shapes work well as substitutes, maintaining the same measurements. The quality of feta cheese is key, choose a creamy variety for the best texture and taste.
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