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Vibrant Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

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A fresh and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired orzo pasta salad featuring kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and a tangy lemon-oregano dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or quick weekday lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (about 270g) dry orzo pasta
  • ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced (preferably English cucumber)
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups (270g) of orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the orzo in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside to drain well.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil, juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp), 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, finely chop ¼ cup red onion, and roughly chop ¼ cup fresh parsley and 2 tbsp fresh dill.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained orzo, chopped vegetables, olives, and crumbled ½ cup (75g) feta cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every bite.
  6. Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, toss gently again and add a splash more olive oil or lemon juice if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook the orzo; al dente texture prevents mushiness. Rinse orzo under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best taste. Add more olive oil or lemon juice if salad seems dry after chilling. For vegan or gluten-free options, substitute feta and orzo accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek orzo pasta salad, Mediterranean salad, orzo salad, feta cheese salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, healthy lunch

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/vibrant-greek-orzo-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-fresh-mediterranean-delight/