Greek Orzo Salad With Feta

$To make a tasty Greek orzo salad, you need a few key items. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped These ingredients bring fresh flavors and bright colors to your dish. The orzo pasta gives it a nice base, while the veggies add crunch. Kalamata olives and feta cheese give it that classic Greek taste. For the perfect dressing, you will need: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste These simple seasonings boost the flavor of your salad. The olive oil adds richness, and the lemon juice brings a zesty kick. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking for the best taste. You can add even more flavors with these optional ingredients: - Extra veggies like bell peppers or radishes - Fresh herbs like dill or oregano - Nuts like pine nuts or walnuts These add-ins can help you customize your salad. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like or have on hand. Enjoy building your salad with different tastes and textures! To start, boil a large pot of salted water. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pot. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes or until it is al dente. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain the orzo in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This step helps stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta firm. In a large mixing bowl, gather the fresh ingredients. Start with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 diced cucumber. Next, add 1 cup of pitted and sliced Kalamata olives. Toss in 1/2 finely chopped red onion and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. These ingredients will give your salad a burst of flavor and color. Mix them gently so they stay whole and vibrant. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing. Combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure you whisk it well until the mixture is smooth. This dressing will bring all the flavors together and add a zesty touch to your salad. Now it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooled orzo pasta to the bowl with the veggies and feta. Pour the dressing over the top. Next, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of chopped mint. Gently toss all the ingredients together. Make sure everything is well coated with the dressing. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it in a large, shallow bowl for a beautiful presentation. You can add more feta and fresh herbs on top for extra flair. To cook orzo, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and stir. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. Al dente means it should feel firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This step keeps it from getting mushy. For the best Greek orzo salad, chop your veggies neatly. Cut 1 cucumber and 1 cup of cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Slice 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives and 1/2 red onion finely. Crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese into small bits. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint make a big difference. Chop 1/4 cup of each herb finely for a bright flavor. Serve your salad in a large, shallow bowl. This lets the colors shine. Top it with extra feta and fresh herbs for a pop. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for a shiny look. A sprinkle of black pepper adds a nice touch too. You can also pair it with grilled meats or pita bread for a full meal. {{image_2}} You can easily make Greek Orzo Salad gluten-free. Use gluten-free orzo pasta made from rice or corn. These options taste great and hold their shape well. You can still enjoy all the fresh flavors. To make this salad a full meal, add protein. Grilled chicken adds a savory touch. Shrimp, cooked until pink, brings a sweet flavor. For a meat-free choice, chickpeas offer fiber and protein. Just mix them in with the salad for a hearty twist. To make this salad vegan, skip the feta cheese. Instead, use avocado for creaminess. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch. This keeps the salad fresh while making it plant-based. To keep your Greek Orzo Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let the salad cool down before sealing it. Place it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh longer. If you plan to add fresh herbs later, set some aside before storing. This keeps the herbs bright and tasty. Greek Orzo Salad lasts about three to five days in the fridge. The flavors blend well over time, making it even more delicious. However, the veggies might lose some crunch after a few days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, reheat it gently. Use the microwave for a short time, about 20 to 30 seconds. Stir it halfway through to heat evenly. Add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh the flavors. Yes, you can make Greek Orzo Salad ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours. The flavors blend well when the salad sits. Just store it in the fridge. Cover it tightly to keep it fresh. If you need a substitute for feta cheese, try goat cheese. It has a similar taste and texture. You can also use ricotta for a creamier feel. If you want a dairy-free option, try tofu. Crumble it and add some lemon juice and salt for flavor. Greek Orzo Salad is not spicy. It has fresh herbs and bright flavors, but no heat. The lemon juice adds a zesty touch, while olives and feta bring savory notes. If you like spice, add some red pepper flakes for a kick. Orzo pasta can be part of a healthy diet. It is made from wheat, which gives carbs for energy. It also has some protein. To make it healthier, add more veggies and use whole wheat orzo. This adds fiber and nutrients to your meal. Greek Orzo Salad is a tasty and easy dish to make. We covered its key ingredients, how to cook orzo, and the best dressings. You can add proteins or make it vegan to fit your needs. Proper storage keeps it fresh longer, and I shared tips for perfecting your salad each time. Whether for a meal or a party, this salad shines. Give it a try, and enjoy the flavors!$

Greek Orzo Salad With Feta

Discover the refreshing flavors of Greek Orzo Salad with Feta & Zesty Herbs! This vibrant dish combines orzo pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crispy cucumber, and luscious feta for a perfect summer meal. With just 15 minutes of prep time, it's quick and easy to make. Explore this delicious recipe and learn how to elevate your salad game with fresh herbs and zesty dressing. Click through for the full recipe and tantalize your taste buds!

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Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once al dente, drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Add the cooled orzo pasta to the large mixing bowl with the vegetables and feta.

Pour the dressing over the salad, then add the chopped parsley and mint.

Gently toss all ingredients until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

- Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl, garnished with additional feta, fresh herb sprigs, and a drizzle of olive oil on top for an inviting appearance.