Mediterranean Feta Orzo Salad Recipe

This Mediterranean feta orzo salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish, perfect for warm weather or as a side for barbecues. It combines tender orzo pasta with fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing.

The recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or potlucks. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or add protein for a complete meal.

Ingredients for a Refreshing Salad

The Mediterranean feta orzo salad is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients that come together to create a vibrant dish.

Key components include tender orzo pasta, which serves as the base, alongside juicy cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers.

Crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy flavor, while fresh parsley enhances the overall freshness of the salad.

To bring all the flavors together, a light lemon-olive oil dressing is drizzled over the top, making each bite a burst of Mediterranean goodness.

Preparation Steps

Preparing this salad is straightforward and quick, making it an ideal choice for busy days.

Start by cooking the orzo pasta in boiling salted water until it’s al dente.

While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to add a crunch and freshness to the dish.

Once the orzo is ready, rinse it under cold water to cool it down before combining it with the chopped vegetables and feta cheese.

Creating the Dressing

The dressing is a simple yet flavorful blend that ties the salad together.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

This mixture not only adds zest but also enhances the flavors of the fresh ingredients.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.

Serving Suggestions

This Mediterranean feta orzo salad can be served immediately or chilled for a bit to allow the flavors to meld.

It’s perfect as a side dish for barbecues or a light lunch on its own.

For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.

Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The salad can last for up to three days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

When ready to eat, give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

This salad is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for customization based on seasonal vegetables or personal preferences.

Nutritional Benefits

This Mediterranean feta orzo salad is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.

With approximately 250 calories per serving, it provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

The fresh vegetables contribute vitamins and minerals, while the feta cheese adds calcium and protein.

Enjoy this salad as part of a healthy diet, knowing it’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Easy Feta Orzo Salad Recipe

This orzo salad features cooked orzo pasta mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese, all tossed in a lemon-olive oil dressing. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Orzo: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve: Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 250kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 28g