Mediterranean Feta Orzo Salad

This Mediterranean feta orzo salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender orzo pasta with vibrant vegetables and creamy feta cheese. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light main course.

The recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients That Shine

The Mediterranean feta orzo salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that come together to create a vibrant dish. At its core is orzo pasta, which serves as a hearty base, providing a satisfying texture.

Cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and sweetness, while diced cucumbers contribute a refreshing crunch. Crumbled feta cheese brings a creamy, tangy element that elevates the overall flavor profile. Fresh parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a hint of herbal brightness.

Preparing the Perfect Salad

Creating this salad is straightforward and quick. Start by cooking the orzo until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Rinsing it under cold water helps to cool it down, making it ideal for a refreshing salad.

While the orzo cools, prepare the dressing. A simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper creates a zesty vinaigrette that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.

Mixing It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo with the colorful cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. The combination of textures and flavors is truly delightful.

Once everything is in the bowl, drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to ensure that every ingredient is coated with the dressing, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

This Mediterranean feta orzo salad is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks, or enjoyed as a light main course. For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or chickpeas.

Chilling the salad for about 15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to develop further, making each bite even more delicious. Serve it in a rustic bowl for a charming presentation, and don’t forget a fork on the side!

Nutrition and Benefits

This salad is not only tasty but also nutritious. Each serving contains around 320 calories, with a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. The combination of vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome choice.

With its refreshing flavors and vibrant colors, this Mediterranean feta orzo salad is a fantastic option for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing taste.

Customization Options

One of the best aspects of this salad is its adaptability. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or herbs based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, olives, or even artichoke hearts can add unique flavors and textures.

If you’re looking for a heartier version, consider adding proteins like grilled shrimp or tofu. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this dish your own while still enjoying its Mediterranean roots.

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 zesty lemon vinaigrette. 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
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 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 large 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 Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
4. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Mediterranean feta orzo salad!

Cook and Prep Times

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

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 320kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g