Orzo Salad Recipe
Overview:
This delightful Orzo Salad recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Greek Salad, brought to you by a cherished friend. It’s bursting with fresh flavors and textures, making it the perfect dish for a light lunch, dinner side, or a refreshing addition to any summer gathering. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring the taste of the Mediterranean to your table!
Quick Info:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Cuisine: Canadian
- Keywords: Summer, < 30 Mins, Stove Top, Easy
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0 from 1 review)
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| English cucumber | 1 |
| Tomatoes | 4 |
| Green pepper | 1 |
| Red onion | 1 |
| Feta cheese | 1 |
| Orzo pasta | 1 |
| Olive oil | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 114.2
- Fat: 6.9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.7g
- Cholesterol: 27.8mg
- Sodium: 353.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.6g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugar: 4.5g
- Protein: 5.7g
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook Orzo Pasta
- Start by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling the pasta in salted water for about 7 minutes or until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the remaining ingredients. Wash and dice the English cucumber, tomatoes, green pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Crumble the feta cheese into small chunks.
Step 3: Mix the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo pasta with the diced cucumber, tomatoes, green pepper, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl.
- Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated in the dressing and the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Refrigerate and Serve
- Once the salad is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.
- When ready to serve, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing.
- Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing Orzo Salad as a side dish or a light meal on its own!
Serving Suggestions:
- This Orzo Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a complete and satisfying meal.
- For added freshness and flavor, garnish the salad with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving.
- Serve the salad alongside crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up any leftover dressing.
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize this salad to your taste preferences by adding additional ingredients such as olives, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give the salad a good stir before serving as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
- This Orzo Salad is perfect for meal prep and makes a great option for packed lunches or picnics.
Final Thoughts:
With its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and zesty dressing, this Orzo Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, potluck, or simply enjoying it as a light and healthy meal at home, this salad is as delicious as it is versatile. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful Orzo Salad recipe! 🥗✨
