Description
Mediterranean sunshine dances through this Orzo Pasta Salad, blending fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta into a delightful summer celebration. Quick, refreshing flavors transport you to coastal Greece with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) orzo pasta
- 2 cups (300 grams) cherry tomatoes
- 1 english cucumber
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 small red onion
Fresh Herbs:
- 1/2 cup (20 grams) fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup (10 grams) fresh parsley
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) red wine vinegar
- 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Boil a pot of salted water at high heat and cook orzo for 8-10 minutes until tender with a slight resistance. Drain thoroughly and spread on a flat surface to cool, periodically stirring to prevent clumping.
- While orzo cools, meticulously chop fresh ingredients. Dice cucumber into uniform small pieces, halve cherry tomatoes, mince red onion finely, and chop herbs with precision to enhance visual and flavor profile.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooled orzo with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, basil, and parsley. Gently fold ingredients to ensure even distribution without crushing delicate components.
- Create vinaigrette by whisking red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a separate container. Gradually incorporate olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify and create a smooth, balanced dressing.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over salad, ensuring complete coverage. Carefully fold ingredients to coat evenly without damaging vegetable structure, allowing flavors to intermingle harmoniously.
- Refrigerate salad for 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop and meld. For optimal freshness, add feta just before serving to maintain its distinct texture and prevent softening. Serve chilled and enjoy the vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Notes
- Perfectly cook orzo by stirring occasionally and tasting for al dente texture, preventing mushy pasta.
- Customize the salad with protein additions like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
- Maintain crisp vegetable texture by chopping them just before mixing to prevent wilting and excess moisture.
- Substitute feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese crumbles for plant-based diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg