Imagine a vibrant, refreshing dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with just one bite! This Easy Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that combines fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing that will revolutionize your summer meal game. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a stunning side dish, or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon oregano, dried
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse and halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Dice 1 cucumber into small pieces. Finely chop 1/2 cup of red onion. Set the prepared vegetables aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before adding it to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup of sliced olives to the mixing bowl with the orzo and vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo salad mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined, ensuring that the dressing evenly coats the pasta and vegetables.
- Taste the salad and adjust any seasonings if necessary. If desired, you can add more feta cheese or olives for extra flavor.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- This Easy Greek Orzo Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy!
Tips
- Always rinse your orzo with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- For the best flavor, let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to marinate.
- Use high-quality olive oil and fresh vegetables for maximum taste.
- If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving to maintain the salad's texture.
- Feel free to customize with additional herbs like fresh basil or parsley for extra freshness.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
