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Greek Orzo Salad Recipe – Fresh, Flavorful & Perfect for Summer

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Greek Orzo Salad 🥗 is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the rich flavors of Mediterranean ingredients with the soft texture of orzo pasta 🍝. With crisp cucumbers 🥒, juicy tomatoes 🍅, tangy feta cheese 🧀, and Kalamata olives 🫒, this salad is not only easy to make but also packed with healthy, flavorful ingredients. Tossed in a simple olive oil 🫒 and lemon 🍋 dressing, this Greek Orzo Salad makes the perfect side dish for summer BBQs 🍖, picnics 🧺, or a light and satisfying lunch. It’s a great way to enjoy the classic Greek flavors in a refreshing pasta salad form.

Recipe Preparation Equipment:

  • Large saucepan 🍲
  • Strainer or colander 🍽️
  • Mixing bowl 🥣
  • Knife 🔪
  • Chopping board 🧑‍🍳
  • Measuring spoons 🧑‍🍳

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup orzo pasta 🍝
  • 1 cucumber, diced 🥒
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced 🧅
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced 🫒
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled 🧀
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 🍇
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

How to make Easy Greek Orzo Salad:

Step 1:

Cook the orzo pasta 🍝 according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta using a strainer or colander 🍽️, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl 🥣, combine the cooled orzo pasta 🍝 with diced cucumber 🥒, halved cherry tomatoes 🍅, red onion 🧅, Kalamata olives 🫒, and crumbled feta cheese 🧀. Toss gently to combine.

Step 3:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil 🫒, red wine vinegar 🍇, lemon juice 🍋, dried oregano 🌿, salt 🧂, and pepper 🌶️.

Step 4:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5:

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley 🌿 for a burst of color and flavor.

Variations:

  • Grilled Chicken Greek Orzo Salad 🍗: Add grilled chicken breast for extra protein and flavor.
  • Tzatziki Sauce Orzo Salad 🥒: Add a dollop of homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce for a creamy twist on the traditional Greek flavors.
  • Add Roasted Vegetables 🍆: For a heartier salad, add roasted vegetables like eggplant 🍆 or bell peppers 🌶️ to the mix.

Cooking Note:

If you want to make the salad ahead of time, prepare the salad and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to ensure the vegetables stay crisp and the pasta doesn’t absorb all of the dressing.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve as a side dish with grilled meats 🍖 or seafood 🦞.
  • Enjoy it as a standalone meal for a light lunch 🥗.
  • This salad pairs beautifully with a Mediterranean-inspired dinner, such as grilled lamb or chicken skewers 🍗.

Helpful Tips:

  • Chill the Salad: For the best flavor, refrigerate the Greek Orzo Salad for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cucumbers 🥒 and tomatoes 🍅 make a big difference in flavor, so be sure to use the freshest produce you can find.
  • Leftovers: Store leftover salad in an airtight container 🧑‍🍳 in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The salad may become slightly softer as it sits, but the flavor will still be great.

Tips for the Best Greek Orzo Salad:

  • Don’t overcook the orzo: Make sure to cook the orzo al dente, as it will continue to absorb the dressing and soften when combined with the other ingredients.
  • Adjust the dressing: If you prefer a stronger vinaigrette, add a bit more lemon juice 🍋 or vinegar 🍇 to suit your taste.
  • Feta Cheese Tip: For a more authentic Greek flavor, use a block of feta cheese and crumble it yourself instead of pre-crumbled feta.

Prep Time:

10 minutes ⏰

Cooking Time:

10 minutes 🕒

Total Time:

20 minutes ⏳

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 6g 💪
Sodium: 500mg 🧂
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 12g 🧈

FAQs:

Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes! This salad can be made a day ahead. Just keep it in an airtight container 🧑‍🍳 in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While orzo is ideal for this salad, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like fusilli or bowtie pasta 🍝.

Is this salad gluten-free?
No, traditional orzo pasta contains gluten 🌾. However, you can use gluten-free orzo or other gluten-free pasta alternatives if you need to make this salad gluten-free.

Conclusion:

This Greek Orzo Salad 🥗 is the perfect combination of fresh vegetables, creamy feta cheese 🧀, and tender orzo pasta 🍝, all tossed in a tangy dressing 🍋. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a refreshing side dish for dinner, or something to take to your next BBQ 🧺, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and textures. Quick to make and even better to eat, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves Mediterranean flavors.

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