Greek orzo salad

Indulge in the delightful Flavors of our Greek Orzo Salad. This pasta sensation combines tender orzo, vibrant tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, an abundance of aromatic herbs, zesty feta, and olives – all bathed in a lively lemony vinaigrette. With a quick prep time of 25 minutes or less, it’s a year-round culinary gem.

Packed with wholesome veggies, it’s a nutritious, well-balanced pasta salad. Feel free to elevate it by adding cooked chicken or shrimp (just whip up a bit more dressing). For an even healthier twist, opt for whole wheat pasta instead of the traditional semolina-based orzo.

With its burst of fresh Mediterranean Flavors, it’s a breeze to assemble. Mostly, it involves a bit of chopping, cooking the orzo pasta, and whipping up a speedy dressing. While it’s a lunchtime favorite, it’s equally cherished at dinner, especially alongside succulent salmon or grilled chicken. Brace yourself – this might just become your go-to orzo recipe.

Tips for the best Greek orzo salad

• Avoid over-salting this salad since both the feta and olives already contribute a salty flavor.
• To mellow the sharpness, rinse the diced red onion under cold tap water if desired.
• Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for 1 hour to let the Flavors meld and marinate.
• If you prefer a chilled pasta salad, refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
• For optimal taste, use freshly squeezed lemon juice in the vinaigrette.

Tools for this recipe

1. Garlic Press
2. Microplane
3. Wire whisk
4. a big pot
5. Sharp knife
6. bowl
7. skillet
8. kitchen tongs

Greek orzo salad recipe video

Greek orzo salad ingredients and instructions:

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup orzo pasta
2. 1 cup cucumber, diced
3. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
5. 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
6. 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
7. 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
8. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
9. 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

For the dressing:

1. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
3. 1 clove garlic, minced
4. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
5. Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

lace a sizable pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil after adding a pinch of salt. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions or until al dente. Pour off the excess water and rinse with cold water to bring down the temperature. Drain well.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, sliced kalamata olives, and finely chopped red onion.

Step 3: Combine Orzo with Vegetables

Add the cooked and cooled orzo pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Gently toss to combine.

Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs and Cheese

Add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped mint leaves to the salad. Give it a gentle toss once more to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the orzo salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Wrap the salad and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the Greek Orzo Salad chilled. Optionally, garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh mint or a sprinkle of crumbled feta before serving.

Tips:

• You can customize this salad by adding ingredients like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or grilled chicken for extra flavor and protein.
• Customize the dressing quantity to suit your taste. If you like it lighter, use a bit less; if you prefer it zestier, add a touch more lemon juice.
• Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Greek Orzo Salad!

Greek orzo salad nutrition facts:

Keep in mind that these values are estimations and may vary depending on the particular brands and amounts of ingredients utilized.

Health benefits of Greek Orzo Salad

1. Rich in Nutrients: This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red bell peppers. These veggies provide essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K.
2. Good Source of Protein: The feta cheese and optional add-ons like chicken or shrimp add a healthy dose of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
3. Heart-Healthy Fats: The extra virgin olive oil used in the dressing is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
4. High in Fiber: The vegetables and whole wheat orzo (if used) increase the fiber content, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut.
5. Antioxidants: Ingredients like tomatoes, parsley, and olives are rich in antioxidants that help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation.
6. Hydration: Cucumbers and tomatoes have high water content, helping to keep you hydrated.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store the Greek Orzo Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the fresh vegetables can become mushy and the feta cheese can alter in texture when thawed.

Reheat and Reuse Instructions

• Serving Cold: This salad is best served cold. If it has been refrigerated, you can enjoy it straight from the fridge.
• Bringing to Room Temperature: If you prefer, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
• Refreshing the Salad: If the salad seems a bit dry after being stored, refresh it by adding a splash of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Toss well before serving.
• Add Protein: To make it a more substantial meal, add freshly cooked or grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Greek Orzo Salad.

Can You freeze pasta salad?

• While it’s possible to freeze pasta salads, the success largely hinges on the specific ingredients used.
• If your salad contains raw, crunchy vegetables like cucumbers or tomatoes, freezing isn’t advised as they tend to lose their texture when thawed.
• For this particular recipe, it’s optimal when served fresh rather than frozen. Alternatively, you can add the vegetables after the salad has been thawed for better results.

Conclusion:

The Greek Orzo Salad is a culinary masterpiece, blending tender orzo, vibrant tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, an array of aromatic herbs, zesty feta, and olives in a lively lemony vinaigrette. With a swift preparation time of 25 minutes or less, it’s a year-round delight. Brimming with wholesome veggies, it offers a nutritious, well-balanced pasta salad. Elevate it further with the addition of cooked chicken or shrimp (just whip up a bit more dressing). For a healthier twist, opt for whole wheat pasta instead of the traditional semolina-based orzo.

This salad is a breeze to assemble, primarily involving a bit of chopping, cooking the orzo pasta, and whipping up a speedy dressing. While it shines as a lunchtime favourite, it’s equally cherished at dinner, especially when paired with succulent salmon or grilled chicken. Brace yourself – this might just become your go-to orzo recipe! Enjoy the burst of fresh Mediterranean Flavors in every delightful bite.

FAQ’s

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