As a passionate home cook, I've always loved exploring different flavors and textures in my cooking. Today, I'm excited to share with you a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen - the Orzo Salad. This dish is not just a delicious treat; it's a perfect blend of vibrant ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Orzo salad, with its simplicity and versatility, has always been a favorite of mine, and I can't wait for you to try it out!
What are the Orzo Salad Key Ingredients?
- Orzo Pasta: Acts as a tender yet firm base with a rice-like shape, perfect for blending with other ingredients.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Provide a juicy texture, enhancing the salad's freshness.
- Crunchy Cucumbers: Add a crisp texture, complementing the softer components.
- Red Onion: Offers a sharp flavor, contributing to the overall taste profile.
- Kalamata Olives: Bring a hint of brininess, balancing the flavors in the salad.
- Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy and salty dimension, pairing well with the other ingredients.
- Dressing: A combination of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice, which unites the flavors and adds vibrancy to the salad.
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Orzo Salad Recipe with Feta Cheese
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: According to package instructions of the orzo
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 Persian cucumbers, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the orzo pasta as per package instructions until it's al dente. Then, rinse under cold water and drain well.
- In a large bowl, toss together the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Stir in the chopped parsley.
- For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Drizzle this dressing over the salad, tossing gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed, and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for Making Orzo Salad
- Pasta Texture: Ensure the orzo is cooked to al dente perfection. Overcooking will make it mushy.
- Chilling Time: Don't skip chilling the salad. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further.
Conclusion
This orzo salad recipe is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques coming together to create something truly delightful. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a healthy option for meal prep, this salad ticks all the boxes. Give it a try, and I'm sure it'll become one of your favorite recipes too!
Orzo Salad with Feta Cheese
Delight in the fresh and vibrant flavors of our Orzo Salad, a perfect harmony of tender orzo pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers. Complemented with the sharpness of red onion, briny kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, this salad is a feast for the senses. Tossed in a zesty dressing of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice, it's an irresistible blend of tastes and textures. Ideal for a quick lunch, a side dish, or a nutritious meal prep option, this Orzo Salad is not just a dish, but a celebration of freshness and simplicity.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 Persian cucumbers, diced (mini cucumbers)
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo with cherry tomatoes, diced Persian cucumbers, red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
Add the chopped parsley to the bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients well.
Adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your taste.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
If you like this recipe you might also like Chickpea Greek Salad (Easy recipe with Feta Cheese, Mexican Pasta Salad and Garden Fresh Mozzarella Salad.
Hi, my name is Melissa! I live in Spanish Fork, Utah. I'm happily married to Rob, and together we have five wonderful kids. Our family loves to embark on adventures, often in our RV, exploring the great outdoors. I'm an avid reader and a big fan of Hallmark movies – they always have a way of lifting my spirits. Hiking is another passion of mine; there's nothing like the tranquility of nature. I have a sweet tooth for chocolate and a love for Mexican food, both of which make life a little more delicious. In my downtime, I enjoy playing games with my family, creating memories and sharing laughter. Life is an adventure, and I'm here to enjoy every moment of it! I'm the blogger and creative mind behind the blog A Sparkle of Genius! Check out our posts on recipes, crafts, kid stuff, printables, travel and more!