Rainbow Orzo Salad: A Burst of Color and Nutrition
When it comes to vibrant, healthy meals, nothing says summer quite like a Rainbow Orzo Salad. This dish is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, offering a rainbow of colors, textures, and flavors that come together in a light and refreshing meal.
Whether you're looking for a perfect side dish for a family barbecue or a nutritious, fiber-packed option for a weekday lunch, this Rainbow Orzo Salad is your go-to fiber-rich recipe—and it’s perfect for meal prep, too!
Balancing Orzo with Fiber: A Smart Choice for Your Health
Orzo might not top the list of nutrient-dense foods, but it can be a valuable addition to a well-rounded, balanced diet, especially when paired with the right ingredients.
Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that provides a comforting texture and a neutral base that allows the vibrant flavors of our Rainbow Orzo Salad to shine. However, as a refined carbohydrate, orzo can cause a moderate spike in blood sugar levels, which isn’t ideal for everyone.
This is where the magic of fiber comes in. By adding just better.® Prebiotic Fiber to the dressing, you’re not only enhancing the flavor but also improving the nutritional balance of the entire dish. Fiber plays a crucial role in slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent those unwanted spikes.
Moreover, fiber supports digestive health, promotes a feeling of fullness, and aids in maintaining a healthy weight. So while orzo may not be a superstar on its own, combining it with fiber-rich veggies and dressing transforms this salad into a more balanced and health-conscious choice.
It’s a smart way to enjoy the comforting qualities of orzo while ensuring you’re taking care of your body’s nutritional needs.
Let’s explore how the other ingredients in this salad provide incredible flavor and valuable nutrients.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems bring a pop of red and a burst of juicy sweetness to the salad. Packed with vitamins C and K, cherry tomatoes are also a good source of antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health.
Fresh Basil: Basil isn’t just a fragrant herb; it’s rich in vitamin K, which supports bone health, and contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation. Its fresh, aromatic flavor brightens up the entire dish.
Organic Red Onion: The mild heat and crisp texture of red onions make them a perfect addition to any salad. They're loaded with antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower blood pressure.
Organic Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, Orange): These colorful peppers aren't just for show; they're packed with vitamins A and C, both essential for immune support. The sweet, crisp bell peppers also add a delightful crunch to each bite.
Organic Cucumber: Cucumbers are incredibly hydrating, and composed of about 96% water. They also contain essential nutrients like vitamin K and potassium, making them a refreshing and healthy addition to the salad.
Artichoke Hearts: Artichokes are a nutrient-dense vegetable high in fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium. They add a unique, earthy flavor to the salad, along with a hearty texture that complements the other ingredients.
Black Olives: These savory little morsels add a rich depth of flavor to the salad. Olives are a good source of vitamin E, iron, and healthy monounsaturated fats, which are great for heart health.
Now that you know how each ingredient contributes to the taste and nutritional profile of this recipe, let's combine them in this delicious Rainbow Orzo Salad.
Rainbow Orzo Salad with just better.® Prebiotic Fiber
Ingredients:
1 cup orzo pasta
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
¼ cup organic red onion, diced
½ cup organic red bell pepper, diced
½ cup organic yellow bell pepper, diced
½ cup organic orange bell pepper, diced
½ cup organic cucumber, diced
½ cup chopped canned artichoke hearts
1 2.25 oz can of sliced black olives
just better.® Prebiotic Dressing:
½ cup olive oil or avocado oil
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4 tablespoons just better.® Prebiotic Fiber
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping:
Feta cheese crumbles
Diced avocado
Instructions:
Cook the Orzo:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, oil, and just better.® Prebiotic Fiber until the fiber is fully dissolved. Whisk continuously to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, vegetables, basil, and red onion.
Pour the dressing over the salad a little at a time and toss gently to combine until all the ingredients are well coated with the vinaigrette. You may have some dressing leftover to use for future servings.
Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Enjoy your Rainbow Orzo Salad as a refreshing, fiber-rich lunch or brunch option that supports metabolic health!
The Benefits of Cooking with just better.® Prebiotic Fiber
Adding just better.® Prebiotic Fiber to your meals is a simple and effective way to boost your daily fiber intake without altering the taste or texture of your favorite dishes. just better.® is a versatile prebiotic fiber powder that is 100% dissolvable, making it perfect for mixing into salad dressings, smoothies, or even your morning coffee.
One key advantage of incorporating just better.® Prebiotic Fiber in your cooking is its ability to balance out meals that may be higher in carbohydrates, like our Rainbow Orzo Salad.
By adding just better.® Fiber to your dish, you’re slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbs, which can stabilize blood sugar levels and make the meal more health-conscious overall.
Beyond balancing blood sugar, just better.® Fiber supports gut health by feeding the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system. It also plays a crucial role in heart health by helping manage cholesterol levels and assisting in maintaining a healthy weight.
By adding just better.® Prebiotic Fiber to your daily routine, you're making a meaningful impact on your overall health.
Join the just better.® Cooking Community!
We’d love to see your creative takes on this Rainbow Orzo Salad! Snap a picture and share it with us on social media using the hashtags #Livejustbetter and #justbetterRecipes. Who knows? Your dish might just be featured on our page!
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