Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 16 ounces orzo pasta
- 12 ounces marinated artichokes, drained
- 1 cup fresh peas (or frozen)
- 1 zucchini, cut into matchsticks
Herbs and Citrus
- 1 lemon, zested
- ½ lemon, juiced (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup basil leaves, roughly chopped
Seasoning and Dressing
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Boil the orzo pasta according to package instructions, approximately 8 minutes, in salted water. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked pasta to a large bowl. Rinse with cold water to stop further cooking and set aside. Reserve the pasta water.
- Cook the Peas: In the reserved pasta water, cook the fresh peas for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and halt cooking. Add them to the pasta bowl.
- Prepare Vegetables and Herbs: While the pasta cooks, cut the zucchini into thin matchstick-sized strips. Drain the marinated artichokes and roughly chop the basil leaves. Add both to the pasta bowl along with the peas.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Zest one lemon and juice half of it (more can be added to taste). Add the lemon zest and juice to the bowl for a fresh, citrusy kick.
- Make the Dressing and Toss: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white vinegar, oregano, and kosher salt. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature with additional lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Notes
- The salad can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preferred level of tartness.
- Substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous for texture variation.
- Use frozen peas if fresh are not available; just slightly thaw before adding.
- For a vegan option, ensure the marinated artichokes contain no added dairy or animal products.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
