We love this light orzo pasta salad recipe! Use your favorite fresh herbs (we love mint, dill, basil, parsley, or cilantro).
1 ½ cups (226g) dried orzo pasta
1 medium English cucumber, diced
1 large tomato, diced or 8 ounces halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, or mint
1/2 cup pitted olives, halved
1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 to 4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice, depending on taste
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until tender, 6 to 10 minutes (check the box for the recommended cooking time). Drain.
While the orzo cooks, whisk the oil, mustard, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl.
Add the drained orzo to the lemon dressing and mix well. Set aside for 5 minutes to cool down a bit.
Stir in the cucumber, tomato, herbs, olives, and artichokes.
Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Enjoy warm or cover, then refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour.