Best Picnic Orzo Pasta Salad Recipes

ORZO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare the orzo according to the package directions, taking care to salt the water generously. Drain and set aside to cool to room temperature.
• In a large bowl, combine the orzo with the rest of the ingredients and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Use your clean hands or two large spoons to mix it carefully. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

PICNIC PASTA

Steps:

• Whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar and honey in a large bowl. Stir in the cornichons, herbs, capers, celery and fennel until combined. Add the pasta and salt and toss until well coated.

ORZO ARTICHOKE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Start the water to heat first. When boiling, add pasta and cook according to package direction - it will probably take around 10 minutes. Do not overcook.
• While water is heating, start on the dressing for the pasta. Saute onions and garlic in 1/4 cup oil a few minutes until they start to soften. Add tomatoes, artichokes, and capers. Cook for about 5 minutes on medium, then turn off the heat.
• Once pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta, returning it to the large pot you cooked it inches Add back the reserved hot cooking water. Add the warm tomato and artichoke mixture to the cooked pasta. Add the remaining 1/4 cup oil and parsley and stir to let it warm through and wilt the parsley.
• Season with the salt and pepper. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped basil.
• Enjoy!

THE PERFECT PICNIC PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and cayenne together in a large bowl for about 30 seconds. Whisk in olive oil in 1-teaspoon increments until emulsified. Whisk in tarragon, dill, parsley, chives, and thyme. Remove and reserve 1/2 of the dressing in a separate small bowl.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Add snow peas, carrots, peas, and broccoli about 2 minutes before the pasta is done. Drain pasta and veggies well, but do not rinse.
• Transfer hot pasta mixture to the vinaigrette in the large mixing bowl and toss well to combine. Let rest for 5 minutes and toss again. Toss occasionally until the mixture is almost room temperature, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, salt, and the reserved dressing and toss well.
• Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours before serving. Toss and adjust seasoning before serving.