Tomato and Basil Orzo Salad

Health score
30%
Tomato and Basil Orzo Salad
45 min.
4
363kcal

Suggestions


Craving a vibrant and flavorful side dish that's both easy to make and bursting with fresh, summery flavors? Look no further than this Tomato and Basil Orzo Salad! This delightful recipe combines the satisfying chewiness of orzo pasta with the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the aromatic punch of fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It's a Mediterranean-inspired delight that's perfect as a light lunch, a refreshing starter, or a crowd-pleasing side for your next barbecue.

What makes this salad truly special is the simplicity of its ingredients and the speed at which it comes together. In just 45 minutes, you can have a vibrant and flavorful dish ready to impress. The combination of fresh basil and garlic infused in olive oil creates a fragrant base that perfectly complements the sweetness of the tomatoes. A touch of balsamic vinegar adds a delightful tang, while grated Parmesan cheese provides a savory, nutty finish.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow. It's a fantastic way to showcase the best of summer produce and create a dish that's both healthy and delicious. Plus, with only 363 calories per serving, you can indulge guilt-free! Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors in every bite with this Tomato and Basil Orzo Salad – it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

  • tablespoons balsamic vinegar 
  •  cloves garlic minced peeled
  • 0.8 cup basil leaves fresh chopped
  • tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta dried
  • 0.3 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • servings salt and pepper 
  • 1.3 pounds firm-ripe tomatoes at room temperature

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan

Directions

  1. In a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, bring 1 1/2 to 2 quarts water to a boil.
  2. Add orzo and cook until barely tender to bite, 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, rinse and core tomatoes; chop and place in a large bowl.
  4. Add basil, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar; mix gently.
  5. Drain pasta well and add to tomato mixture.
  6. Mix, adding parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts

Calories363kcal
Protein11.73%
Fat33.22%
Carbs55.05%

Properties

Glycemic Index
57.5
Glycemic Load
19.12
Inflammation Score
-8
Nutrition Score
14.92391306745%

Flavonoids

Naringenin
0.96mg
Apigenin
0.01mg
Luteolin
0.01mg
Kaempferol
0.13mg
Myricetin
0.2mg
Quercetin
0.84mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:362.53kcal
18.13%
Fat:13.42g
20.64%
Saturated Fat:2.62g
16.35%
Carbohydrates:50.02g
16.67%
Net Carbohydrates:46.43g
16.88%
Sugar:6.45g
7.17%
Cholesterol:5.44mg
1.81%
Sodium:315.98mg
13.74%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:10.66g
21.32%
Selenium:37.86µg
54.08%
Manganese:0.76mg
37.89%
Vitamin K:36.37µg
34.64%
Vitamin A:1472.26IU
29.45%
Vitamin C:20.46mg
24.8%
Phosphorus:185.14mg
18.51%
Vitamin E:2.41mg
16.05%
Fiber:3.59g
14.35%
Potassium:498.27mg
14.24%
Copper:0.27mg
13.52%
Magnesium:51.62mg
12.91%
Vitamin B6:0.21mg
10.73%
Calcium:92.94mg
9.29%
Vitamin B3:1.85mg
9.24%
Zinc:1.36mg
9.05%
Folate:34.84µg
8.71%
Iron:1.42mg
7.86%
Vitamin B1:0.11mg
7.19%
Vitamin B2:0.09mg
5.09%
Vitamin B5:0.4mg
4.03%
Vitamin B12:0.08µg
1.41%
Source:My Recipes