Description
Mediterranean cuisine embraces this Greek orzo salad as a refreshing summer classic. Cool pasta, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta cheese blend perfectly for hungry diners seeking authentic Greek flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 mL / 8 fl oz) orzo pasta
- ½ cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup (75 g) kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (150 g) cucumber, diced
- ⅓ cup (50 g) red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup (60 mL / 2 fl oz) olive oil
- 2 tbsps (30 mL) red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Boil orzo in seasoned water until al dente, then rapidly cool under cold water to stop cooking and preserve texture.
- Dressing Creation: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, citrus juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until fully emulsified and aromatic.
- Salad Assembly: Combine chilled orzo with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and parsley in a large mixing bowl, creating a vibrant Mediterranean medley.
- Final Fusion: Gently toss the salad with prepared dressing, ensuring even coating without disrupting the delicate ingredients. Chill for 20 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize and intensify, resulting in a refreshing and cohesive Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Notes
- Perfect Pasta Technique: Cook orzo al dente by stirring occasionally and testing texture early to prevent overcooking, which turns pasta mushy and destroys the salad’s signature texture.
- Flavor Infusion Strategy: Let salad rest in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow herbs and dressing to deeply penetrate ingredients, enhancing overall taste profile.
- Temperature Balance Trick: Ensure orzo is completely cooled before mixing with other ingredients to prevent wilting delicate vegetables and maintain crisp vegetable integrity.
- Customization Flexibility: Easily adapt recipe for dietary needs by substituting feta with plant-based cheese for vegan version, or adding grilled chicken for protein boost without compromising Mediterranean essence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg