Refreshing Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Looking for a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that's easy to prepare? This Orzo Salad is the perfect option. With tender pasta, fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, this salad is both satisfying and healthy. It’s perfect for a summer lunch, a picnic side dish, or a quick dinner that’s full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Cook the orzo. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the orzo, and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Prepare the vegetables. While the orzo is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and fresh herbs.
Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, chopped vegetables, olives, and herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
Add the feta. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Chill or serve immediately. You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Recipe tips
To enhance the flavors, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein if you’re making this as a main dish. If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt with the dressing. Switch up the veggies with what you have on hand! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted veggies would be a great addition.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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