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Easy Macro Friendly Veggie Orzo Salad photo

Macro Friendly Veggie Orzo Salad

A light, vegetable-packed orzo salad with a creamy light dressing that’s quick to make and macro-friendly.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz orzo pasta
  • 1 ear fresh sweet corn kernels removed
  • 1/2 cup julienned carrot I use the store-bought kind
  • 1/4 cup red onion chopped
  • 4 oz grape tomatoes
  • 1 whole roasted red pepper chopped
  • 3 oz sugar snap peas chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 10 leaves basil
  • 1/2 cup reduced fat feta cheese I used Athenos brand
  • 10 medium black olives I used Lindsay brand
  • 2 cups baby spinach chopped
  • 1/2 cup light Olive Garden dressing
  • salt & pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Cups
  • Mixing Spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions.
  2. When there is 1 minute left on the orzo, add the whole ear of corn (to blanch) and the julienned carrot to the pot, then finish cooking together.
  3. Drain the orzo, corn, and carrot in a colander, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and set aside to cool.
  4. While the pasta cooks, wash and prepare remaining ingredients: cut the corn kernels off the ear, chop the red onion, halve or quarter grape tomatoes as desired, chop the roasted red pepper, chop the sugar snap peas, chop the parsley, chiffonade the basil, and chop the spinach if needed.
  5. Combine the cooled orzo, corn kernels, carrot, red onion, grape tomatoes, roasted red pepper, sugar snap peas, parsley, basil, feta, black olives, and baby spinach in a large bowl.
  6. Toss the salad with the light Olive Garden dressing and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Divide into six even portions (about 1 1/4 cups each) and serve or chill until ready to eat.

Notes

  • Nutrition for one serving (1/6) is approximately 219 calories, 4.3g fat, 38.3g carbs, 8.1g protein.