Greek Orzo Salad with Feta: A Flavorful and Fresh Meal

If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, look no further than the Greek Orzo Salad with Feta. Bursting with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, this salad is not only visually appealing but also a delight to the palate. Whether as a side dish or a satisfying main course, this meal is sure to please both friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Refreshing Ingredients: This salad is a medley of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, creating a vibrant and crunchy texture that complements the creamy feta cheese perfectly.

• Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily modify this recipe to include your favorite vegetables or add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, making it suitable for any occasion.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: Greek Orzo Salad is an excellent option for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a delicious Greek Orzo Salad, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of orzo pasta
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer)
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
2. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. While the orzo is cooking, chop the veggies. Dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables along with the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 3: Create the Dressing

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Once the orzo has cooled, add it to the bowl with the vegetables.
2. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish your Greek Orzo Salad with fresh parsley before serving.
2. This salad can be enjoyed immediately, or you can let it chill in the refrigerator for an hour to enhance the flavors.

Conclusion

The Greek Orzo Salad with Feta is a deliciously simple dish that showcases the best of Mediterranean flavors. With its colorful ingredients and satisfying texture, it makes for an ideal meal whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner at home. So why wait? Give this refreshing salad a try and let your taste buds travel to the sunny shores of Greece!

Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful recipe!