Greek Orzo Salad

Greek Orzo Salad: A Refreshing Mediterranean Delight

Introduction:

Embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with the vibrant flavors of Greek Orzo Salad. This light and refreshing dish combines the goodness of orzo pasta with colorful vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and zesty Greek dressing. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece.

Why Choose Greek Orzo Salad?

Greek Orzo Salad offers a delicious blend of fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavors. With its combination of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, it’s a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect as a side or a light main course.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked orzo pasta, cooled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (optional)

For the Greek Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon zest (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Greek Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add a touch of lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh dill (if using).

Step 3: Toss with Dressing Drizzle the prepared Greek dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to ensure the dressing coats all the components evenly.

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Marinate Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Greek Orzo Salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Transfer portions to serving plates or bowls and garnish with extra feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired.

Conclusion:

Greek Orzo Salad is a celebration of Mediterranean ingredients and flavors. Its harmonious combination of textures and tastes—creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and more—is a treat for the senses. Whether enjoyed as a side dish at a gathering or as a light lunch, this salad brings the essence of Greece to your table, offering a refreshing escape to the sunny Mediterranean coast with every bite.