Name: Vegan Orzo Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked orzo; 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes; 1 cup finely chopped cucumber; ½ cup chopped vegan feta; ½ cup sliced olives; 1 small shallot, finely chopped; 1 cup chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed); 1 medium avocado; ¼ cup vegan yogurt; Juice of 1 lemon; ¼ cup chopped fresh dill; ⅓ cup olive oil; ⅓ cup water (plus additional tablespoons as needed for desired consistency); 1-2 cloves garlic; 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste); ¼ tsp black pepper

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If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and unbelievably tasty dish, look no further than this Vegan Orzo Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing Recipe. It’s a colorful medley of tender orzo pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and briny olives, all tossed in a luscious, smooth avocado-based dressing that elevates every bite. This salad not only bursts with flavors and textures but also dazzles with wholesome, plant-powered goodness, making it a perfect dish for any occasion—whether it’s a quick lunch, a potluck favorite, or a light dinner that leaves you feeling nourished and satisfied.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden bowl holds a colorful layered salad, with green cucumber cubes on the left, bright red and orange chopped bell peppers in the top right, and pale chopped shallots just below them. In the center, there is a pile of white feta cheese cubes. Below the feta and towards the bottom left, there are dark purple sliced olives, and to the right of them, light brown chickpeas fill the bottom right section of the bowl. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a slice of lemon in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Vegan Orzo Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing Recipe comes from its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the tender orzo providing the perfect base, to the fresh vegetables bringing crunch and color, and the creamy avocado dressing tying everything together with richness and tang. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful salad.

3 cups cooked orzo: The small, rice-shaped pasta holds the salad’s flavors beautifully and adds a pleasant chew.
1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes: Bursting with juiciness, these add a refreshing sweetness that brightens the dish.
1 cup finely chopped cucumber: Cool and crisp, cucumbers add a clean crunch that beautifully balances the creaminess.
½ cup chopped vegan feta: This vegan twist on feta brings tang and a slight saltiness that enhances every bite.
½ cup sliced olives: Rich and slightly briny, olives provide a savory depth that contrasts the fresh vegetables.
1 small shallot: A mild onion flavor adds subtle pungency without overwhelming the salad.
1 cup chickpeas: Protein-packed and hearty, chickpeas add texture and keep things satisfying.
1 medium avocado: The star of the dressing, avocado makes it luxuriously creamy and nourishing.
¼ cup vegan yogurt: Adds a touch of tang and helps achieve the perfect dressing consistency.
Juice of 1 lemon: Infuses the dressing with bright acidity, balancing its richness.
¼ cup chopped dill: Fresh dill brings a fragrant herbaceous note that elevates the overall flavor.
⅓ cup olive oil: Adds silkiness and carries the flavors beautifully.
⅓ cup water: Used to thin out the dressing to your preferred consistency.
1-2 cloves garlic: Adds savory depth and a gentle kick of warmth.
1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning—adjust to taste.
¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a soft, spicy finish to complement the other flavors.

How to Make Vegan Orzo Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Begin by cooking your orzo according to the package instructions. This step sets the foundation for the salad, so make sure it’s cooked al dente, giving your salad a perfect texture that holds up well to the creamy dressing.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

While the orzo is cooking, wash and finely chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, vegan feta, olives, and shallot. Chopping these ingredients finely ensures each bite is bursting with flavor and a variety of textures.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked orzo, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, vegan feta, olives, shallot, and chickpeas. This colorful combination sets the stage for the delightful dressing to bring everything together.

Step 4: Blend the Creamy Avocado Dressing

Place the avocado, vegan yogurt, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, water, garlic, salt, and black pepper into a blender. Blend everything until smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of the salad, adding luscious texture and vibrant flavor that makes this Vegan Orzo Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing Recipe so irresistible.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Pour the creamy avocado dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every ingredient. This ensures each forkful is perfectly balanced with vibrant flavors and creamy goodness. You’re now ready to enjoy your stunning Vegan Orzo Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing Recipe!

How to Serve Vegan Orzo Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a creamy orzo salad with visible layers of yellow orzo pasta mixed with a thick green-yellow dressing. Cubes of fresh green cucumber and pieces of red tomato are spread evenly throughout the salad, along with some purple olives and chickpeas adding color contrast. The salad appears moist, with a glossy finish on all ingredients. The mixture is captured being scooped, showing a dense, textured, and creamy composition. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or extra dill on top. A few whole olives or halved cherry tomatoes can make the salad look even more inviting. For an unexpected crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds as a finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This salad shines on its own as a light meal but pairs wonderfully as a side dish with grilled vegetables, crispy tofu, or smoky vegan sausages. It’s a perfect companion for any summer barbecue or picnic, adding freshness and creaminess alongside charred, savory items.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in colorful bowls or mason jars to showcase its vibrant hues. For a fun twist, layer it with additional veggies or greens for a salad parfait. You can also stuff it into pita pockets or use it as a filling for wraps to enjoy this Vegan Orzo Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing Recipe on the go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the textures fresh, it’s best to store the dressing separately if you have time, then toss them together just before serving.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe because the creamy avocado dressing can change texture and become watery once thawed. Instead, enjoy your salad fresh or within a couple of days when refrigerated.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. If you prefer a warmer dish, serve the orzo and chickpeas warm but add fresh veggies and dressing afterwards to maintain their bright taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo is ideal because of its small shape and texture, other small pasta shapes like couscous or tiny shells would also work wonderfully in this salad.

Is this recipe nut-free?

Yes, this Vegan Orzo Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing Recipe contains no nuts. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking to avoid common allergens while still enjoying a creamy, rich dressing.

How can I make the dressing less thick?

Simply add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, while blending until you reach your desired consistency. The dressing can be easily adjusted to be as creamy or as thin as you like.

Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?

Yes! Just prepare the orzo and chop the veggies ahead of time. Keep the dressing separate and combine everything shortly before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

What can I substitute for vegan feta?

If vegan feta isn’t available, you can use cubed firm tofu seasoned with lemon juice and a pinch of salt or add other tangy vegan cheeses. This will still add that savory contrast the salad needs.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Orzo Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing Recipe is a delightful celebration of fresh ingredients and creamy, wholesome flavors. It’s quick to prepare, beautifully versatile, and guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection. I encourage you to try it soon—once you taste this bright, hearty salad, it’s sure to become one of your favorites too!