Greek Orzo Salad 🥗

Overview:

This Greek Orzo Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors, textures, and colors, perfect for a refreshing summer evening or any occasion where you crave a taste of the Mediterranean. 🌞 With the rice-shaped orzo pasta as the base, complemented by the tanginess of feta cheese, crisp cucumbers, vibrant bell peppers, juicy grape tomatoes, briny black olives, and the subtle bite of scallions, every mouthful is a symphony of freshness and satisfaction. 🎶

Preparation Time: 12 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serving: Makes enough for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients:

1 cup of orzo pasta
1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
10-15 grape tomatoes, halved
3/4 cup of black olives, sliced
1/2 cup of sliced scallions

Dressing Ingredients:

Olive oil
Lemon juice
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cooking the Orzo:

Bring a large saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Optionally, add a teaspoon of olive oil for extra flavor.
Add the orzo pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, which usually takes about 8 minutes.
Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
Drain the orzo well and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.

2. Assembling the Salad:

In the same mixing bowl with the orzo, add the crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumber, chopped yellow bell pepper, halved grape tomatoes, and sliced black olives.
Gently toss the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed throughout the orzo.

3. Making the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

4. Final Assembly:

Pour the prepared dressing over the orzo salad mixture.
Toss the salad gently to ensure that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly, enhancing the flavors.
Sprinkle the sliced scallions on top of the salad as a finishing touch, adding a hint of freshness and color.

5. Serving:

Transfer the Greek Orzo Salad to a serving dish or individual plates.
Serve immediately as a standalone dish or as a delightful accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 453.3
Fat Content: 27.2g
Saturated Fat Content: 9g
Cholesterol Content: 33.4mg
Sodium Content: 612.6mg
Carbohydrate Content: 42g
Fiber Content: 3.6g
Sugar Content: 6.1g
Protein Content: 12.3g

Tips and Variations:

Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the salad.
Fresh Herbs: Enhance the freshness by adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint.
Extra Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables such as red onions, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for more color and flavor.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing ahead of time, but toss them together just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

This Greek Orzo Salad is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, with its vibrant colors and enticing aromas. 🌈 It’s a versatile dish that brings the essence of the Mediterranean to your table, offering a refreshing and satisfying culinary experience that everyone will adore. Enjoy the flavors of Greece in every bite! 🇬🇷