Description
A refreshing and vibrant Greek Orzo Salad combining tender orzo pasta with fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish for Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes into halves, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion into small pieces for easy mixing and eating.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo with the chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, halved Kalamata olives, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently but thoroughly.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the orzo and vegetable mixture. Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side dish or a light meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a heartier meal.
- Use fresh oregano if available for a more vibrant herb flavor instead of dried.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially considering the saltiness of the feta and olives.
