Welcome to lovewithrecipes.com, where we bring you delightful culinary experiences! Today, we’re diving into the vibrant world of Mediterranean flavors with our Garden Italian Salad 🥗. This refreshing dish is not only bursting with colors but also packs a nutritional punch, making it an ideal choice for a quick European-inspired summer meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes! 🌞🇮🇹
Let’s embark on this culinary journey and create a symphony of taste with our Garden Italian Salad. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process:
Garden Italian Salad
🕒 Total Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 5
📏 Yield: 5 cups
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup ripe olives, sliced
- 1/2 carrot, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
- 1 pimiento, diced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- Your favorite Italian dressing
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 290.6
- Fat: 13.8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.4g
- Cholesterol: 17.9mg
- Sodium: 496.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 31.9g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 4.8g
- Protein: 10.3g
Instructions:
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Cook the Orzo:
- Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, drain and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
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Prepare the Salad Base:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, diced zucchini, shredded carrot, sliced ripe olives, chopped green onion, and diced pimiento.
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Dress it Up:
- Pour your favorite Italian dressing over the salad ingredients. The dressing adds that authentic Mediterranean flavor, bringing all the elements together.
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Toss and Chill:
- Toss the salad well, ensuring the dressing coats every ingredient with its delectable goodness.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and create a refreshing harmony.
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Mozzarella Magic:
- Just before serving, add the cubed mozzarella cheese to the salad. This adds a creamy texture that complements the crispness of the veggies.
- Garnish your Garden Italian Salad with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for that final burst of color and flavor.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Your Garden Italian Salad is now ready to be served! This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight.
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Pro Tip:
- Feeling adventurous? You can switch things up by substituting 2 1/2 cups of cooked macaroni for the orzo. It’s a delightful twist that adds a playful element to the dish.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, a quick lunch, or a side for a summer barbecue, this Garden Italian Salad is a versatile crowd-pleaser. The crispness of the vegetables, the savory olives, and the creamy mozzarella come together in a perfect symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. 🌊🌿
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s create a masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing! Share the joy of this Garden Italian Salad with your loved ones and savor the essence of a European summer in every bite. Happy cooking! 🍽️✨
