Description
Savor Mediterranean magic with this orzo salad blending fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta cheese. Refreshing ingredients dance together, creating a perfect summer dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 cucumber, diced
- 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 0.5 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.33 cup crumbled feta cheese
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried oregano)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Dressing Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the orzo pasta by cooking it according to package guidelines, ensuring a perfectly al dente texture. Carefully drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Transform the fresh vegetables into bite-sized morsels: slice cherry tomatoes into neat halves, create uniform cucumber cubes, thinly shred red onion, and finely chop the fragrant parsley and oregano.
- Assemble the vibrant medley in a spacious mixing vessel, layering the cooled orzo with the prepped vegetables, briny olives, crumbled feta cheese, and aromatic herbs.
- Craft a zesty dressing by vigorously whisking extra virgin olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, bright lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper until the mixture emulsifies into a harmonious blend.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently fold the ingredients, ensuring each component is lovingly coated with the Mediterranean-inspired vinaigrette.
- Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to intermingle and develop a robust, cohesive taste profile.
- Present the chilled salad as a refreshing side dish or light meal, inviting diners to savor the vibrant Mediterranean essence.
Notes
- Swap traditional orzo for gluten-free varieties to accommodate dietary restrictions and ensure everyone can enjoy this refreshing salad.
- Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or cubed tofu for a more substantial meal that keeps you satisfied longer.
- Maximize flavor development by preparing the salad a day ahead, allowing ingredients to marinate and intensify their Mediterranean-inspired taste profile.
- Prevent soggy texture by adding delicate herbs like parsley just before serving to maintain their crisp freshness and vibrant green color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg