Summer Orzo Salad with Feta (Printable version)

A light Mediterranean orzo salad with feta and fresh vegetables.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 cup (about 200 g) orzo pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 medium cucumber, diced
04 - 1/4 small red onion, finely sliced
05 - 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
06 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Cheese

07 - 3/4 cup (100 g) feta cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

08 - Zest and juice of 1 lemon
09 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
10 - 1 garlic clove, minced
11 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to cool. Set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
05 - Add feta cheese and toss lightly, preserving some chunks.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for even the busiest summer days.
  • The bright flavors and colors make it a visual delight as well as a treat for your taste buds.
02 -
  • Beware of overcooking the orzo; it should remain al dente for the best texture.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like basil or mint along with the parsley.
03 -
  • Make sure your orzo is cool before mixing to keep everything fresh.
  • A high-quality feta will elevate your salad from good to spectacular.
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