Zesty Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean Orzo Salad combines the delightful flavors of fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and savory kalamata olives, all tossed with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. It's not only visually appealing with its colorful ingredients, but it also bursts with taste and texture with every bite. Perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light lunch on its own, this orzo salad is a quick and easy option that will leave your guests smiling. Enjoy this delightful dish alongside grilled chicken for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
240
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
orzo pasta
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
tomatoes
1 lb (diced)
seedless cucumber
1 (quartered lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
pitted kalamata olives
1/3 cup (coarsely chopped)
feta cheese
8 ounces (crumbled)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot of lightly salted water, bring to a boil. Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes.
2
Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it under cold water until cool. Allow it to drain thoroughly and set aside.
3
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together the lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl. Set the dressing aside for the flavors to meld.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, quartered cucumber, chopped kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and the cooled orzo pasta.
5
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until all the ingredients are well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
6
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop further. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
13.5g
Fat
23g
Carbs
5.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Mediterranean Orzo Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and savory kalamata olives with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing.
Is this orzo salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is explicitly tagged as vegetarian.
How long does it take to cook the orzo pasta?
The orzo pasta should be cooked according to package instructions, typically taking around 8-10 minutes until al dente.
How much orzo is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 lb of orzo pasta.
What should I do with the orzo after it is cooked?
Drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it under cold water until cool, then allow it to drain thoroughly.
What are the ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing consists of freshly squeezed lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.
How much lemon juice is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes diced tomatoes and a quartered seedless cucumber.
How many tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of diced tomatoes.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The seedless cucumber should be quartered lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
What type of olives are recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of coarsely chopped pitted kalamata olives.
How much feta cheese is in the salad?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
How is the salad seasoned?
The salad is seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste.
Can this salad be served immediately?
Yes, it can be served immediately or refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
What is the calorie count per serving?
The salad contains approximately 240 calories per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 13.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 23g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving provides 5.25g of protein.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe.
Is this an easy recipe to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe and a quick meal.
What are some ideal occasions for serving this salad?
It is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light lunch.
Can I serve this with meat?
Yes, it is recommended to enjoy this dish alongside grilled chicken for a complete meal.
What is the main texture of the dish?
The dish offers a mix of textures from tender orzo, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese.
How many individual ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 9.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook the orzo.
When should the dressing be prepared?
While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the dressing by whisking the lemon juice and olive oil together.
Should the orzo be warm when mixing with other ingredients?
No, the orzo should be cooled and rinsed under cold water before being combined with the other ingredients.
How do I ensure the ingredients are well coated?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated.
Is it necessary to use seedless cucumbers?
The recipe specifically recommends 1 seedless cucumber for the best results.