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Air Fryer Red Pepper, Tomato & Orzo Salad
- Category: Popular |
This simple orzo pasta salad is dressed up with red pepper and cherry tomatoes that are quickly air fried for added flavour. Perfect for a speedy lunch or light summer side.
SERVES
4
CALORIES
338
COOKING TIME
25 mins
DIFFICULTY
simple
This airfryer recipe is from my latest book Air Fryer 30 minute meals. There’s nothing I could say here which would explain just how obsessed I am with this salad, it is one of my absolute favourite recipes. Full disclosure – the inspiration for this recipe came from a pre-packaged supermarket salad, you may even recognise it once you’ve rustled it up. This makes a great side or sharing dish, but I also love it as a pack-up-and-go lunch.
Can you really make salad using an air fryer?
Yes! While traditional salads are served cold, an air fryer salad like this features warm, roasted vegetables (such as red peppers and tomatoes), giving the dish more depth and flavour. It’s perfect for a heartier, more satisfying salad.
Can I cook orzo in the air fryer?
No – orzo should be cooked on the hob in boiling water, like pasta. The air fryer is used to roast the red peppers and tomatoes until soft, sweet, and slightly charred.
@boredoflunch Airfryer Red Pepper, Sundried Tomato & Orzo Salad 🍅🥗 338 calories Serves 4 It’s salad season and this M&S dupe is a go to. Perfect hot or cold it’s going to be a new favourite. Recipe from my Airfryer book 30 Minute Meals. Ingredients: 2 red peppers 1 red onion, chopped 120g cherry tomatoes, halved low-calorie oil spray 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp dried oregano 300g orzo Handful of sundried tomatoes, chopped Salt and pepper, to taste 2 tbsp basil, chopped, to garnish Dressing 70ml red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar Handful of fresh basil, chopped 1 tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, grated 1 tsp dried oregano Juice of 1 lemon Method: 1. Spray the red peppers, onion and cherry tomatoes with the oil in the air fryer basket, then scatter over the paprika, oregano and some salt and pepper. Air-fry for 12-14 minutes at 180°C. 2. While the veg is in the air fryer, cook your orzo – you can also cook this in advance and refrigerate. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl. 3. In a large bowl, toss together the roast veg, orzo, dressing and sundried tomatoes, then sprinkle over the basil to garnish. and serve. #redpepper #orzo #airfryer #airfryerveg #airfryervegetables #roastedvegetable #orzosalad #pastasalad #airfryerrecipes #recipe #budgetfriendly #budgetfriendlymeals #lunch #dinner #healthy #healthymeals #easymeals #quickmeals #lean #fyp #foryou
What temperature should I roast peppers and tomatoes in the air fryer?
Roast your red peppers and cherry tomatoes at 200°C for 10–12 minutes, tossing halfway through, until softened and slightly caramelised.
Can I use jarred or roasted red peppers instead?
Yes – if you’re short on time, jarred roasted peppers are a handy shortcut, though fresh air-fried peppers add more flavour and texture.
Is this air fryer salad served hot or cold?
This orzo salad can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for meal prep, lunches or picnics.
What dressing goes best with this orzo salad?
A simple lemon and olive oil dressing works beautifully, or try balsamic glaze for extra richness. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley also bring it to life.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely – grilled chicken, prawns, halloumi or chickpeas all work brilliantly to turn this into a more filling meal.
Is this orzo salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes – this air fryer orzo salad is naturally vegetarian, and can easily be made vegan by omitting cheese or choosing a plant-based alternative.
How long will this salad keep in the fridge?
It keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Store in an airtight container and enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Can I batch prep this recipe?
Yes – it’s perfect for meal prep, especially for easy weekday lunches. You can make the orzo and roast veg in advance and assemble as needed. For more batch prep air fryer recipes, take a look at:
Method
Step 1
Spray the red peppers, onion and cherry tomatoes with the oil in the air fryer basket, then scatter over the paprika, oregano and some salt and pepper. Air-fry for 12–14 minutes at 180°C (355°F).
Step 2
While the veg is in the air fryer, cook your orzo – you can also cook this in advance and refrigerate. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl.
Step 3
In a large bowl, toss together the roast veg, orzo, dressing and sundried tomatoes, then sprinkle over the basil to garnish, and serve.
Ingredients
2 red peppers, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
120g (1/2 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
low-calorie oil spray
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
300g (10 1/2 oz) orzo
handful of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp basil, chopped, to garnish
For the dressing: 70ml (2.5 fluid oz) red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, handful of fresh basil, chopped, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 garlic clove, grated, 1 tsp dried oregano, juice of one lemon
