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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 medium cucumber, diced - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Orzo pasta is the star of this dish. It adds a nice texture. The cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color. Cucumber adds a cool crunch. Kalamata olives give a salty depth. Red onion adds a sharp bite. Feta cheese brings creaminess and tang. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint give a bright flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in making this salad fresh and tasty. When making Greek Orzo Salad, always choose fresh produce. Look for ripe cherry tomatoes. They should be bright red and firm. Pick cucumbers that feel crisp and have smooth skin. For herbs, select vibrant parsley and mint. The fresher your ingredients, the better your salad will taste. Fresh ingredients not only enhance flavor but also boost nutrition. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. When the water boils, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions. It usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, not too soft. Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This helps cool the pasta quickly. While the orzo cools, prepare the salad mix. Grab a large mixing bowl and add the fresh ingredients. Start with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Next, add 1 medium diced cucumber. Toss in 1 cup of sliced Kalamata olives. Then, add 1/2 medium finely chopped red onion. Finally, crumble in 1/2 cup of feta cheese. Don't forget to add 1/4 cup each of finely chopped fresh parsley and mint. These herbs add great flavor and freshness. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing. Combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk it well until the mix is smooth. Once the orzo is cool, add it to the bowl with the salad mix. Drizzle the dressing over everything. Then, sprinkle in the chopped parsley and mint. Toss gently to combine all ingredients. Make sure everything is well mixed and coated in dressing. Taste the salad to see if it needs more flavor. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Adjust it until it tastes just right for you. To cook orzo just right, start with a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the orzo. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should still have a bit of a bite. Once done, drain the orzo in a colander. Rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down. Fresh herbs can really boost your Greek Orzo Salad. I like to use parsley and mint. They add a bright taste that pairs well with the feta. When chopping herbs, make sure to use a sharp knife. This helps keep the herbs fresh and flavorful. Add them right before serving to keep their color and taste vibrant. If you want to try other herbs, basil or dill also work well. To make your salad look great, serve it in a large, shallow bowl. This gives it a beautiful display. Add a few extra crumbles of feta on top for a pop of white. You can also add some fresh herb leaves as a garnish. A light drizzle of olive oil on top makes it shine. This not only looks nice but also adds extra flavor. A colorful salad is more inviting and makes your meal even more enjoyable. {{image_4}} You can add protein to Greek Orzo Salad to make it heartier. Grilled chicken works well. Simply cube cooked chicken and mix it in. For a plant-based option, try chickpeas. They add texture and protein. Just rinse and drain canned chickpeas before adding them to the salad. Both choices boost flavor and nutrition. While feta cheese is classic, you can try other cheeses. Goat cheese adds a creamy touch. If you prefer a sharper taste, use aged cheddar. Mozzarella is another great choice, offering a mild flavor. Experiment to find your favorite cheese that pairs well with the salad's fresh ingredients. This salad is versatile, allowing you to swap in seasonal veggies. In summer, use bell peppers or zucchini for crunch. In fall, add roasted butternut squash for warmth. Try blanching asparagus in spring for a fresh twist. These changes keep the salad exciting and highlight the best of each season's produce. To store your Greek orzo salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh. Make sure to cool the salad before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up. You can also separate the dressing and salad for better storage. This way, the salad stays crisp. When prepping this salad, consider making a big batch. It keeps well and is perfect for lunches. Store it in smaller containers for easy grab-and-go meals. You can also prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just chop the veggies and herbs. Keep them in the fridge until you're ready to mix everything. In the fridge, Greek orzo salad lasts for about 3 to 5 days. However, it tastes best within the first 2 days. The flavors meld together, making each bite delightful. After 5 days, the veggies may lose their crunch. If you notice any off smells or slimy textures, it’s time to toss it. Yes, you can prepare Greek Orzo Salad ahead of time. This makes it great for meal prep or gatherings. Just cook the orzo and mix all the ingredients together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will blend nicely overnight. However, it's best to add the herbs and dressing right before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and bright. If you need a feta substitute, try crumbled goat cheese or ricotta. These options give a creamy texture and a nice flavor. You can also use dairy-free cheese if you're vegan or lactose intolerant. Just remember, each cheese will change the taste a little. So choose one that fits your needs and taste. No, Greek Orzo Salad is not gluten-free. Orzo is made from wheat, so it contains gluten. If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta instead. There are many options available now, like rice or corn pasta. These alternatives work well and keep the dish tasty and fun. This blog post covers all you need for a tasty Greek Orzo Salad. We went through key ingredients, freshness of produce, and cooking tips. You learned how to whip up the salad, dressing, and serve it well. Don't forget variations like adding protein or seasonal veggies for more flavor. Lastly, we reviewed how to store leftovers. Enjoy making this dish! It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for meal prep or sharing with friends.

Greek Orzo Salad With Feta

Discover the vibrant flavors of Greek Orzo Salad with Feta & Zesty Herbs! This refreshing dish combines orzo pasta, crunchy veggies, briny olives, and creamy feta, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a side at your next gathering, this salad is quick to prepare in just 25 minutes. Click to explore this delightful recipe and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium cucumber, diced

1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the orzo pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil, then add the orzo. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.

    While the orzo cools, prepare the salad ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, finely chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.

      Next, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and add more seasoning if needed to achieve your desired flavor.

        Once the orzo is cooled, add it to the bowl with the vegetables and feta.

          Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, then sprinkle in the chopped parsley and mint.

            Using a gentle tossing motion, combine all ingredients until everything is well mixed and the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.

              Taste the salad and adjust the flavors, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you wish.

                - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl. Garnish with a few extra crumbles of feta, sprigs of fresh herb leaves, and a light drizzle of olive oil on top. This adds an inviting touch that enhances the visual appeal and freshness of the dish.