Italian Orzo Salad (Risoni) with Crispy Salami Bits

Name: Italian Orzo Salad (Risoni) with Crispy Salami Bits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: European, Italian, Mediterranean
Ingredients: 250g / 8oz risoni / orzo pasta ( - 1 1/4 cups (Note 1)); 2 tsp salt (, for cooking pasta); 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil; 250g/ 8 oz salami slices (, chopped into 1.25 cm / 1/2" squares (Note 2)); 1 cup sliced kalamata olives ((1 x 220g/7oz jar) - or other olives or briny things (Note 4)); 2 tightly packed cups baby rocket / arugula (, torn by hand); 400g/ 14oz cherry tomatoes (, quartered (2 1/2 cups)); 1 large green capsicum (, cut into 1.25cm / 1/2" squares); 1/2 red onion (, finely diced); 1 1/2 cups (tightly packed) colby cheese (, shredded into short strands (Note 5)); 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tbsp red wine vinegar ((or white wine vinegar, sub apple cider vinegar)); 1 garlic clove (, crushed using garlic press or grated using microplane); 1 tsp dried basil; 1/4 tsp red chilli flakes ((optional)); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp sugar; 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt

Instructions

Prep:15minCook:15min

Recipe video above. The crispy salami bits are the hero here. The better bacon. Why aren't we putting crispy salami in everything??!Tossed through a risoni/orzo salad inspired by my favourite Mega Italian Salad with lots of fresh vegetables and a good handful of cheese to keep things tasty. Excellent packed lunch, keeps well for days, love that you can eat it with a spoon. Serves 4 - 5 as a meal. Make this today, find another pasta salad for next week here!

Updated at: Tue, 01 Sep 2026 10:17:30 GMT