This Greek Orzo Salad is a bright and flavorful dish that perfectly combines fresh vegetables and the tangy creaminess of feta cheese. The orzo pasta adds a wonderful texture to the salad, making it both filling and refreshing.
It’s ideal for any occasion, whether as a side dish at a BBQ or a main course for a light, healthy meal. You can customize it by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or extra herbs to match your personal taste. This dish not only brings a pop of color to your table but also bursts with the Mediterranean flavors of olive oil, oregano, and fresh lemon juice.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, parsley, and oregano.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4
The Versatility of Greek Orzo Salad
Greek Orzo Salad is highly adaptable. While the recipe traditionally uses orzo pasta, you can easily swap it with other small pasta varieties like macaroni, penne, or orecchiette, depending on what you have available. The vegetables in the salad, such as cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers, are incredibly flexible. You can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to make it a heartier dish. If you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a plant-based protein, chickpeas are a fantastic addition to provide protein and fiber.
The dressing is made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, and a hint of sugar. The tangy, herb-infused vinaigrette ties the salad together beautifully, offering a perfect balance of acidity and richness.
How to Customize Your Salad
One of the highlights of this Greek Orzo Salad is its customization potential. While the base recipe calls for ingredients like tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and olives, you can easily tailor it to your preferences. If you dislike olives, simply omit them or replace them with another ingredient like capers or artichoke hearts. If you’re not a fan of red onion, reduce its quantity or skip it altogether. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese. While feta is the classic choice for Greek salads, goat cheese or even mozzarella can also be used as a substitute.
Another great way to modify this recipe is by adding more vegetables. Fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or mint can be tossed in for extra freshness. If you enjoy roasted vegetables, consider adding roasted red peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to give your salad a deeper, caramelized flavor. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a salad that perfectly matches your flavor preferences.
A Healthy and Satisfying Meal
Greek Orzo Salad is not only flavorful, but it’s also a healthy choice. Orzo pasta is a good source of carbohydrates, while the fresh vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Chickpeas are an excellent plant-based protein, making this salad both filling and nutritious. Feta cheese adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor, and the olive oil in the dressing provides heart-healthy fats.
The combination of these ingredients makes this salad a well-rounded meal that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for warm weather when you don’t want something too heavy.
How to Serve and Store Greek Orzo Salad
Greek Orzo Salad is incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal dish for meal prep or large gatherings. If you’re planning to serve it at a picnic or potluck, you can prepare the salad the night before. The salad will last in the refrigerator for up to five days, so it’s perfect for a few days of lunches or snacks.
When storing the salad, be sure to keep the dressing separate if you’re making it in advance. The dressing can be added right before serving to keep the salad fresh and prevent the orzo from becoming too soggy. If you plan to serve it the next day, give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
Pairing Greek Orzo Salad
Greek Orzo Salad pairs wonderfully with many different dishes, making it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions. It can be served as a main dish for a light lunch or dinner or as a side dish to complement grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or steak. It’s also perfect with Mediterranean dishes such as hummus, falafel, or grilled vegetables. The freshness of the salad pairs nicely with rich and savory foods, balancing out the flavors.
The Perfect Summer Dish
This Greek Orzo Salad is the ultimate summer dish. It’s packed with bright colors, fresh flavors, and a satisfying crunch, all thanks to the combination of vegetables, herbs, and orzo pasta. It’s light and refreshing, making it perfect for warm weather, barbecues, picnics, and gatherings with friends and family. The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile option for outdoor events.
Whether you’re hosting a summer party or looking for a healthy and easy meal, Greek Orzo Salad is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Greek Orzo Salad is a simple, delicious, and healthy dish that brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors in a way that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, a side dish, or something to bring to a potluck, this salad ticks all the boxes. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences, and its vibrant flavors make it a standout dish that’s sure to impress. With its fresh vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and zesty dressing, Greek Orzo Salad is a perfect addition to your summer menu.
Give it a try today, and you might just find that this Greek Orzo Salad becomes one of your go-to recipes for years to come!