Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Greek Dressing Recipe
Looking for a refreshing and vibrant side dish? This Mediterranean orzo salad with Greek dressing is the perfect addition to your summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. Packed with colorful vegetables and tossed in a tangy dressing, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Imagine sitting outside on a warm evening, enjoying a plate of this delightful salad. The combination of tender orzo, crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and salty feta creates a delightful medley of flavors that will brighten up your meal.
A Refreshing Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This vibrant orzo salad brings together the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Featuring tender orzo pasta, crunchy cucumbers, and juicy cherry tomatoes, each bite is a fresh experience. The addition of crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, salty twist that complements the vegetables perfectly.
The homemade Greek dressing elevates this dish with its zesty notes, creating a salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a light weekday meal.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of this Mediterranean orzo salad lies in its simple yet colorful ingredients. Each component is carefully selected for its taste and nutritional value.
Fresh cherry tomatoes and diced cucumbers not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a refreshing crunch. Kalamata olives and red onion contribute a savory depth, while the parsley adds a touch of brightness.
The crumbled feta cheese not only offers creaminess but also a burst of flavor, making this salad both satisfying and healthy.
Preparation Made Easy
Preparing this salad is quick and straightforward, making it an excellent choice for busy cooks. Start by cooking the orzo until it is al dente, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Simultaneously, chop the vegetables and combine them in a bowl. Creating the dressing is as simple as whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and seasonings, which infuses the salad with vibrant flavor.
Once everything is combined, letting the salad chill allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste experience.
The Perfect Presentation
Presentation plays a significant role in the enjoyment of any dish. Serving this Mediterranean orzo salad in a beautiful bowl makes it visually striking.
The colorful medley of ingredients looks stunning against a rustic wooden table, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your meal.
Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds color but also a hint of herbal freshness that elevates the dish further.
A Refreshing Mediterranean Orzo Salad Recipe
This orzo salad is a light, zesty dish featuring cooked orzo pasta combined with fresh vegetables and a homemade Greek dressing. With its bright flavors and satisfying textures, it’s perfect as a side or a light main course.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Add the cooled orzo to the vegetable mixture, pour the dressing over, and toss gently to combine. Add crumbled feta cheese and mix lightly.
- Serve: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy your Mediterranean orzo salad!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
Nutrition Information
This orzo salad is not only delicious but also packs a nutritious punch. With approximately 220 calories per serving, it fits well into a balanced diet.
Containing healthy fats from olive oil and protein from feta cheese, it makes for an energizing dish that satisfies without weighing you down.
Its blend of carbohydrates and fiber from the vegetables ensures you stay full and nourished.
Serving Suggestions
This Mediterranean orzo salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It makes a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or fish, complementing those flavors beautifully.
Alternatively, serve it as a light main course with some crusty bread or paired with a refreshing drink, making it ideal for warm, sunny days.
Whether at a picnic, barbecue, or casual dinner, this salad will surely impress your guests and become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
