Why Make This Recipe
Greek Orzo Salad is a vibrant and tasty dish that brings together the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to backyard parties. This salad is easy to make and packed with healthy ingredients, making it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a light yet filling meal.
How to Make Greek Orzo Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2-3 days.
How to Serve Greek Orzo Salad
Greek Orzo Salad can be served as a main dish or as a side. It pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables. You can also enjoy it as a refreshing stand-alone meal.
How to Store Greek Orzo Salad
To store Greek Orzo Salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you have leftovers, the flavors will continue to blend together, making it even more delicious the next day.
Tips to Make Greek Orzo Salad
- Make sure to rinse the orzo in cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and keep it from getting mushy.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil to your taste. If you prefer a zippier flavor, add more lemon juice.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers, avocado, or herbs for added flavor and texture.
Variation
You can easily change up this salad by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Or swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as bell peppers or artichokes.
FAQs
1. Can I make Greek Orzo Salad in advance?
Yes! You can prepare this salad a few hours or even a day ahead of time. Just keep it refrigerated until you are ready to serve.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
No, orzo is made from wheat. However, you can use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
3. Can I substitute feta cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use mozzarella, goat cheese, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative for a different taste.
Greek Orzo Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and tasty Greek Orzo Salad packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for casual lunches or backyard parties.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2-3 days. The flavors will blend even more deliciously the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: orzo salad, Greek salad, Mediterranean recipe, healthy salad, summer salad