Mediterranean Orzo Salad Delight
This Mediterranean Orzo Salad Delight is a vibrant and refreshing dish that beautifully captures the flavors of Greece. With its rice-shaped orzo pasta, perfectly complemented by the creamy crumbles of feta cheese, crisp cucumber, sweet bell pepper, and juicy grape tomatoes, each bite transports your taste buds to a sun-drenched summer garden. Black olives add a briny richness, while a zesty Greek vinaigrette ties it all together. Ideal for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a side dish for your favorite grillable, this salad not only looks stunning on the plate but is also a nutritional powerhouse that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Serve it chilled and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean all season long!
4-6 servings
Servings
135
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orzo Pasta
1 cup (Uncooked)
Feta Cheese
1 cup (Crumbled)
Cucumber
1 (Seeded and thinly sliced)
Yellow Bell Pepper
1/2 (Chopped)
Grape Tomatoes
10-15 (Halved)
Black Olives
3/4 cup (Pitted and halved, preferably Kalamata)
Greek Vinaigrette Dressing
1/2 cup (Bottled or homemade)
Scallion
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, bring lightly salted water to a boil. If desired, add a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2
Add the orzo pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from clumping.
3
Once done, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Ensure it's well-drained.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo with crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced cucumber, chopped yellow bell pepper, halved grape tomatoes, and pitted halved olives.
5
Pour the Greek vinaigrette dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
6
Finally, sprinkle the chopped scallions over the top for added freshness and flavor. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
12g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Orzo Salad Delight?
It is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring rice-shaped orzo pasta, feta cheese, and fresh vegetables, capturing the flavors of Greece.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 135 calories per serving.
Is this Mediterranean Orzo Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How long does it take to cook the orzo pasta?
The orzo should be cooked until al dente, which typically takes about 8 minutes.
How can I prevent the orzo pasta from sticking while boiling?
You can add a teaspoon of olive oil to the boiling water to help prevent sticking.
What are the main vegetables in this recipe?
The salad includes cucumber, yellow bell pepper, grape tomatoes, black olives, and scallions.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4-6 servings.
What kind of cheese is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Should the orzo be rinsed after cooking?
Yes, rinse the orzo under cold running water after draining to stop the cooking process.
What type of dressing is recommended for this orzo salad?
A Greek vinaigrette dressing, either bottled or homemade, is used to coat the salad.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate it for up to an hour before serving to help enhance the flavors.
What kind of olives are best for this recipe?
Black olives are used, preferably pitted and halved Kalamata olives.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 8g of fat.
What is the protein content of this salad?
This salad provides 4.5g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 12g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The cucumber should be seeded and thinly sliced.
What color of bell pepper is specified in the ingredients?
The recipe specifically calls for a yellow bell pepper.
How are the grape tomatoes prepared?
You should use 10-15 grape tomatoes, sliced in half.
What is the final garnish for the salad?
The salad is finished with a sprinkle of chopped scallions over the top.
Is this recipe suitable for summer picnics?
Yes, it is ideal for summer barbecues, picnics, and as a refreshing side dish.
How much orzo pasta is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta.
Does this recipe include any sugar?
According to the provided data, the sugar content is null or not specified.
How do you toss the ingredients?
Gently toss the cooked orzo and vegetables until all ingredients are well coated with the vinaigrette.
What is the texture of the orzo in this salad?
The orzo should be cooked to an 'al dente' texture, meaning firm to the bite.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include mediterranean, orzo salad, greek cuisine, summer salad, healthy recipes, and vegetarian.
Is there any cholesterol in this dish?
The cholesterol information is not provided in the recipe data.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
While the base recipe is vegetarian, it serves as a great side for grillable proteins like chicken or shrimp.
How much scallion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped scallions.