Picture a vibrant bowl of Orzo Feta Salad, bursting with fresh colors and Mediterranean aromas.
This delightful dish is a breeze to whip up, bringing a cozy and satisfying touch to any meal.
Watch as the orzo mingles with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Let’s bring this invigorating and easy-to-make salad to life and savor the taste of the Mediterranean!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Pot
- 1 Colander
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Measuring Cup
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Orzo Feta Salad, here is a suggested timeline:
- Reading the Recipe (5 minutes):
- Start by reading the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Preparation (10 minutes):
- Gather and measure all ingredients.
- Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- Crumble the feta cheese if not already done.
- Cooking Orzo (10 minutes):
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the orzo pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the dressing.
- Making the Dressing (5 minutes):
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
- Cooling Orzo (3 minutes):
- Drain the cooked orzo using a colander.
- Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Combining Ingredients (5 minutes):
- Add the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss all ingredients together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
- Resting Time (5 minutes):
- Allow the salad to rest at room temperature to let the flavors meld.
- Serving:
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Cook orzo pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Drain the orzo using a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
Add the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley to the bowl.
Toss all ingredients together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
Let the salad rest for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.
Serving Tips
- Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside or mixed into the salad for added protein and a hearty meal.
- Pita Bread: Pair with warm pita bread to scoop up the salad and enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement the salad with a side of roasted vegetables for a nutritious and colorful plate.
- Hummus: Add a dollop of hummus on the side for a creamy texture and additional flavor.
- Soup: Serve with a light soup, such as a tomato basil or a vegetable broth, for a complete and balanced meal.
Storage
Store Orzo Feta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and flavor.
Stir before serving to redistribute dressing.
Freezing
To freeze orzo feta salad, store it in an airtight container.
Leave space for expansion.
Consume within 1-2 months for best quality.
Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Orzo Feta Salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled.
If reheating is necessary, gently warm on low heat, avoiding feta melting.
Consider adding fresh ingredients for a vibrant taste.
Final Thoughts
Orzo Feta Salad is a delightful and versatile dish. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weekdays or a last-minute gathering.
The combination of fresh vegetables and tangy feta cheese provides a revitalizing taste, while the orzo adds a satisfying texture.
Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this salad is sure to impress.
For those looking to customize, feel free to explore additional ingredients like olives or grilled chicken for added depth.
Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired dish as a standalone meal or as a side dish to complement your favorite main course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta Instead of Orzo?
You can definitely swap orzo for another small pasta like ditalini or acini di pepe. Just guarantee it’s cooked al dente. This change keeps the salad’s texture delightful while adding your personal touch to the dish!
How Can I Make This Salad Gluten-Free?
To make this salad gluten-free, swap the orzo with a gluten-free pasta, like quinoa or rice-based options. Confirm all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, and double-check labels to avoid hidden gluten in dressings or seasonings.
Is It Possible to Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You can definitely prepare this salad in advance! Just keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness and texture. Store the salad in the fridge, and toss with dressing right before enjoying for ideal flavor.
What Wine Pairs Well With Orzo Feta Salad?
You’ll want a crisp, invigorating white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to elevate the salad’s Mediterranean flavors. These wines enhance the tangy feta and lemon zest, providing a delightful balance to the dish.
How Do I Adjust the Recipe for a Larger Gathering?
To adjust the recipe for a larger gathering, simply double or triple the ingredient quantities. Use larger equipment for mixing, and guarantee you’ve enough serving bowls. This way, everyone gets a taste of your delicious creation!
Orzo Feta Salad
Equipment
- 1 pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber diced
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook orzo pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the orzo using a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley to the bowl.
- Toss all ingredients together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad rest for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
