Sunny Mediterranean Orzo Salad with LemonHerb Dressing

Sunny Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Lemonherb Dr

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:12 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454g) orzo pasta
• 1 pint (473ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 4 ounces (113g) feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup (about 50g) fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup (about 50g) fresh mint, chopped
• ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
• While the orzo is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the Kalamata olives. Chop the fresh parsley and mint.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
• Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:420

Fat:20g

Fiber:4g

Recipe Info

Category:Salad

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Recipe Introduction: Sunny Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing

Ever get that craving for sunshine on a plate? This orzo salad is exactly that. A burst of Mediterranean flavors, it's proper lush!

Why This Orzo Salad Rocks

Honestly, this isn't just any orzo pasta salad recipe . This Mediterranean orzo salad brings together the best of Greek flavors.

It's got feta orzo salad written all over it!. Think salty feta, juicy tomatoes, and a zingy lemon herb dressing .

This recipe is like a mini-vacation. It takes you to the sunny shores of Greece. Imagine perfectly cooked orzo, fresh veggies, and that glorious dressing.

It's proper easy too. This easy pasta salad takes about 30 minutes. Plus, it feeds six hungry bellies. Perfect for a light dinner or a picnic salad recipes .

Main Benefits of This Dish

This summer salad recipe isn't just tasty; it's good for you. Orzo is a surprisingly good source of fiber. The fresh veggies pack a nutritional punch.

It's ideal for those sunny afternoons in the park. Take it to a barbecue or a family potluck. This cold pasta salad always goes down a treat.

What makes this salad special? It’s the freshness. The dressing makes it stand out from other orzo salad with vegetables you might have seen.

It’s got a lovely tang and zesty aroma!. Trust me, it's a game changer.

Now, let's talk ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk about what you actually need to make this Sunny Mediterranean Orzo Salad . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward stuff.

This orzo salad recipe is so easy, even my mate Dave, who can barely boil an egg, nailed it. It's the perfect summer salad recipe for potlucks or just a quick lunch.

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks

Right, so for the salad itself, you'll need:

• 1 pound (454g) of orzo pasta . Get decent quality stuff, not the super cheap kind that turns to mush. Al dente is the goal, people.
• 1 pint (473ml) of cherry tomatoes, halved. The sweeter the better. Snacking tomatoes work great.
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced. If you don't seed it, your orzo salad with vegetables could get watery.
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced. Soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to take away the bite.
• ½ cup (75g) of Kalamata olives, pitted and halved. They're salty and yummy.
• 4 ounces (113g) of feta cheese, crumbled. Get the block, not the pre-crumbled stuff. Trust me on this one. It's a feta orzo salad after all!
• ¼ cup (about 50g) each of fresh parsley and fresh mint, chopped. Fresh herbs are key.

Seasoning Notes: The Magic Touch

Now, for the lemon herb dressing , this is where the Greek orzo salad really sings:

• ¼ cup (60ml) of extra virgin olive oil. Don't skimp!
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) of fresh lemon juice. Freshly squeezed, always!
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Because garlic makes everything better.
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and ½ teaspoon of dried basil. A classic combo, innit?
• ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Adjust to your taste, obviously. Salt is your friend! For substitutions, a splash of white wine vinegar works in a pinch if you're out of lemon. Remember you can add some red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat in the lemon herb dressing

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• A large pot to cook the orzo pasta salad recipe
• A colander to drain the pasta.
• A large bowl to mix everything together.
• A whisk for the dressing.
• A cutting board and knife, naturally.
• Measuring cups and spoons. And don't forget a big smile, because you're about to make a killer picnic salad recipes that everyone will love! It is a really easy cold pasta salad , perfect for hot days.

Sunny Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing

Fancy a bit of sunshine in a bowl? Honestly, this Mediterranean orzo salad is where it's at. It’s dead easy, tastes banging, and is perfect for anything from a quick lunch to a proper picnic.

Think Greek taverna vibes, but in your kitchen. It really is the best summer salad recipe .

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place , as they say in fancy restaurants. Basically, get all your ingredients chopped and measured.

Makes life SO much easier. I swear, half the battle is just having everything ready.

Top tip? Chop your veg while the orzo is cooking to save time. Also, remember, knives are sharp! Slow and steady wins the race.

Let's Get Cooking: The Step-by-Step

1. Cook the Orzo: Chuck 1 pound (454g) orzo pasta into a big pot of boiling, salted water. Cook for 10- 12 minutes until it's al dente . Don't overcook it or it will be mushy.
2. Veggie Prep: While that's bubbling, halve 1 pint (473ml) cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cucumber, thinly slice ½ red onion, and halve ½ cup (75g) Kalamata olives. Chop ¼ cup (about 50g) each of fresh parsley and mint.
3. Whizz Up the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons (45ml) lemon juice, 2 minced cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Give it a good whisk!
4. Assemble the Masterpiece: Bung the cooked orzo, chopped veggies, and 4 ounces (113g) crumbled feta cheese into a large bowl.
5. Dress and Toss: Pour that lovely lemon herb dressing over the orzo salad and gently toss it all together.
6. Chill Out: Cover the bowl and stick it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours mingle. The chilling time is the secret for the best flavour.

Pro Tips for a Bangin' Orzo Salad

Don’t overcook your pasta. Seriously, nobody likes a soggy orzo salad . For an easy pasta salad , try adding grilled halloumi for extra protein.

This transforms your orzo salad with vegetables into a meal!

A common mistake is not seasoning properly. Always taste and adjust before serving! This Greek orzo salad is a perfect addition to your picnic salad recipes .

You can even make it ahead of time and chill it! This makes it a great cold pasta salad . And you get the best feta orzo salad , too.

You know?

Honestly, this is one of those recipes you'll make again and again. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Sunny Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Right, so you're about to make this amazing Mediterranean orzo salad . It's honestly one of my go-to summer salad recipe ideas.

I've made it countless times for picnics and barbecues, and it's always a hit. Before you dive in, here are some extra things I've learned over time to help you nail it.

What to Serve with Your Orzo Salad

This isn't just any cold pasta salad ; it's a showstopper! For plating, think bright and colourful. A big bowl overflowing with goodness is always a winner.

Sprinkle some extra feta and herbs on top for a fancy touch.

I love serving this Greek orzo salad with grilled halloumi. The salty cheese is a perfect match. Some crusty bread to mop up that gorgeous lemon herb dressing is a must, too.

And to drink? A chilled glass of white wine or some iced tea. Perfect for those picnic salad recipes .

Storing Your Salad Like a Pro

Got leftovers? No worries! This feta orzo salad keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container and it'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Just give it a good stir before serving.

Freezing isn't really recommended, as the orzo can get a bit mushy when defrosted. But honestly, it's so delicious, I doubt you'll have any left to freeze.

If you do end up freezing the orzo salad the time when defrosted will be about 2 hours .

Reheating isn't really a thing with this orzo pasta salad recipe - it's meant to be enjoyed cold!

Mix it Up with These Variations

Fancy a change? You can totally adapt this orzo salad with vegetables to suit your taste.

If you're after more protein, chuck in some grilled chicken or chickpeas. Need a vegan option? Just ditch the feta or use a plant-based alternative.

And for a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. Voila!

Quick Nutrition Lowdown

Alright, let's break it down without getting all scientific. This salad is packed with goodness. Loads of vitamins from those fresh veggies, healthy fats from the olive oil, and some protein from the feta.

It's a good source of energy and fibre too, making it a great lunch option.

It's also relatively low in calories. This is great if you are trying to watch your weight. It is a more nutritious alternative to other salads. You know what I mean?

So go on, give this easy pasta salad recipe a go. It's simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress! Trust me, you've got this!