Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing
This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a delightful blend of vibrant flavors and textures that transports you to the sun-soaked coasts of Greece. With tender orzo pasta as its base, this salad is tossed with fresh tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, creating a perfect harmony of taste. The homemade balsamic dressing, infused with aromatic herbs and garlic, seeps into the warm pasta, enhancing every bite with richness. Enjoy it warm for a comforting side dish, or let it chill for a refreshing addition to any meal. Leftover dressing can be repurposed for salads, making this dish both versatile and satisfying. Perfect for gatherings or a hearty meal prep option, this Orzo Salad will become a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
173
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons (none)
olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
water
1 tablespoon (none)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
garlic cloves, minced
3 (minced)
orzo pasta
1 cup (uncooked)
kalamata olive, sliced
1/2 cup (sliced)
fresh tomato, chopped
1/2 cup (chopped)
garbanzo beans
1 (8 ounce) can (drained and rinsed, optional)
feta cheese, crumbled
5-6 ounces (crumbled)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, dried basil, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, olive oil, water, black pepper, and minced garlic. Whisk them together until well blended to create a smooth and flavorful vinaigrette. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a medium-sized mixing bowl while still warm.
3
Add the sliced kalamata olives, chopped fresh tomatoes, and optional garbanzo beans to the warm orzo. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
4
Crumble the feta cheese over the salad and fold it in delicately to incorporate a creamy texture throughout the dish.
5
Serve immediately while warm for a comforting dish, or chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour for a refreshing cold salad. This dish can also be served at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
10.3g
Fat
15.5g
Carbs
6.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Orzo Salad?
It is a vibrant blend of orzo pasta, fresh tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, and feta cheese tossed in a homemade balsamic dressing.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of balsamic vinegar, dried basil, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, olive oil, water, black pepper, and minced garlic.
How do I make the balsamic vinaigrette?
Combine balsamic vinegar, basil, oregano, Dijon mustard, olive oil, water, pepper, and minced garlic in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
Can I serve this salad warm?
Yes, it can be served immediately while warm for a comforting side dish.
Can this salad be served cold?
Yes, you can chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour for a refreshing cold version.
Is Mediterranean Orzo Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains pasta, vegetables, beans, and cheese.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The base of this salad is orzo pasta, which is a small, rice-shaped pasta.
How should the orzo be cooked?
Cook the orzo in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 5 to 6 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
Are there beans in this salad?
The recipe includes an optional 8-ounce can of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed.
What kind of olives are included?
The salad uses half a cup of sliced kalamata olives.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves for the dressing.
What vegetables are added to the mix?
The recipe uses half a cup of chopped fresh tomatoes.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 173 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 10.3 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this salad have?
This salad provides 6.3 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 15.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What herbs are used in the balsamic dressing?
The dressing is infused with 1.5 teaspoons each of dried basil and dried oregano.
Can I reuse the leftover dressing?
Yes, any leftover dressing can be repurposed for other green salads.
Is it okay to serve this at room temperature?
Yes, this dish is versatile and can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature.
Should I add the dressing while the pasta is warm?
Yes, pouring the dressing over the warm orzo allows the flavors to seep into the pasta more effectively.
What kind of mustard is required?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
How should I incorporate the feta cheese?
Crumble the feta over the salad and fold it in delicately to maintain a creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a hearty option that holds up well, making it perfect for meal prep.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
The dressing requires 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar.
Do I need to prepare the tomatoes in a specific way?
The fresh tomatoes should be chopped before being added to the orzo.
Is there any water in the dressing?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of water to help blend the vinaigrette.
How much olive oil is in the recipe?
The dressing uses 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this Mediterranean Orzo Salad.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and beans, it is tagged as a healthy pasta salad option.