This is a delicious summery salad made even better with my amazing ranch dressing! It’s a fresh combination of orzo pasta, veggies, fresh herbs and some crunchy nuts and drizzled with the above said ranch. This ranch dressing is the star obviously and dead simple to make and as long as you use the best ingredients, you’ll be good to go.
I’ve used common summer veggies like tomatoes, fresh corn, cucumbers, etc. but these are readily available year round so this could be made anytime of year. Fresh herbs and a bit of lemon zest really amp up the flavor in this salad then the creamy, zippy ranch covers it all. This is a great main for a meal or could be a side to bring to a picnic or barbecue.
Make it your own!
This salad can be customized with a different flavor profile just by swapping out different veggies and herbs.
- Make a southwestern version with peppers, some black beans and cilantro!
- Make a buffalo version with some buffalo sauced tofu or tempeh, shaved celery, vegan blue cheese and parsley!
- Make a Greek version with olives, vegan feta and fresh dill!
Pasta salads are usually liked by everyone so I hope you enjoy my version and hope you make my ace vegan ranch. Please rate and review if you have time!
Vegan Ranch Orzo Salad
8
servings30
minutes10
minutesAn amazing summery pasta salad made with my excellent vegan ranch!
Ingredients
package (16 oz) orzo pasta, cooked and cooled
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn
24 grape tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh spinach and arugula (optional)
1/4 cup fresh chopped mint (basil or dill)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
1 cup slivered or sliced almonds, toasted (optional)
1/2 cup vegan ranch dressing
Directions
- Boil the pasta according to the package directions. I always salt my pasta water well as it adds flavor. Your pasta water should be salty like the sea. If using Fran corn, you can add the cobs to the cooking pasta as they generally cook for about the length of time it takes to cook the orzo. If using using frozen corn, you can blanch it in the pasta cooking water using a small colander or sieve.
- Prepare the vegan ranch according to my recipe if using. Prepare the veggies and add to a large bowl with the cooked and cooled orzo and corn.
- Toss with the olive oil, lemon zest and then sprinkle the nuts on top (if using). Drizzle with the vegan ranch and serve!
Recipe Video
Notes
- If you don’t use my vegan ranch, use a bottled vegan brand.
- You can use any small shaped pasta for this like farfalle, shells or elbows but I prefer orzo.
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