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EASY SUMMER GREEK ORZO SALAD RECIPE

Greek salad is one of those quintessential summer salads that’s bright, fresh, crisp, tangy, briny, zesty and very versatile. Here’s my take on this classic summer salad.

Greek Orzo Salad is a colorful and flavorful culinary creation that captures the essence of the Mediterranean diet. At its core, this salad features tender orzo pasta, which is a small, rice-shaped pasta, cooked to perfection and cooled to room temperature. The orzo serves as a delicate base that absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients.

Vibrant red, yellow, and green bell peppers are diced and added to the orzo, providing a sweet crunch and a burst of color. Juicy cherry tomatoes are halved and mixed in, contributing a refreshing burst of acidity. Crisp cucumbers, peeled and chopped, lend a cool and hydrating element to the dish.

To enhance the Greek flavors, tangy Kalamata olives are pitted and added for their distinctive briny taste. Creamy feta cheese, crumbled generously over the top, complements the salad with its salty richness.

Fresh herbs play a crucial role in this salad's aromatic profile. Chopped parsley, dill, and sometimes mint are meticulously incorporated, infusing the dish with a fragrant and herbaceous undertone.

A simple yet zesty dressing ties all the ingredients together. Extra virgin olive oil is blended with freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. This dressing coats the orzo and vegetables, infusing every bite with a harmonious balance of tanginess and Mediterranean warmth.

The result is a harmonious medley of textures and flavors. The orzo pasta provides a delicate bite, while the vegetables offer a mix of crispness and juiciness. The combination of salty feta, briny olives, and the brightness of lemon and herbs creates a multi-layered taste experience that's both light and satisfying.

Greek Orzo Salad is not just a feast for the palate, but also a feast for the eyes, with its vibrant array of colors. It's often served at picnics, barbecues, potlucks, and alongside grilled meats or fish. This salad not only embodies the healthful Mediterranean diet but also brings a taste of sunny Greek flavors to any occasion.

The combination of salty feta, briny olives, and the brightness of lemon and herbs creates a multi-layered taste experience that's both light and satisfying!

EASY SUMMER GREEK ORZO SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cucumber, diced

  • 1 Tbs jalapeños, diced

  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro,

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

  • 1/4 cup fresh Kalamata olives

  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, diced

  • 1 lime cut into wedges

  • 1 cup orzo pasta, cooked

  • 1 cup rotisserie or roast chicken (optional)

  • 1/2 cup cooked pumpkin, squash or zucchini (optional)

For the dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Cooking the Orzo Pasta

To begin, we'll cook the orzo pasta. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it aside to cool."

Step 2: Assembling the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine half of the cooked and cooled orzo pasta, add tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onions, parsley, mint, Kalamata olives and jalapeños.

Step 3: Adding the Dressing

Now for a really quick and easy dressing, just add extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, lime juice and oregano. Give it a final toss to combine. The dressing is super simple but will enhance the flavors and bring everything together.

Step 4: Letting the Flavors Marinate

To allow the flavors to meld together, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will make the salad taste even better!

Step 5: Serving the Greek Orzo Salad

After chilling, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. This light and refreshing salad is really easy to make and still tastes great the next day. It's perfect for a barbecue side, or a main dish on a hot summer night. This Greek Orzo Summer Salad’s combination of flavors and textures will transport you to the Mediterranean.

Can I Use Another Type of Pasta? And other tips and information…

  • While there’s something just perfect about orzo for this recipe, you can swap it for other types of pasta such as Spiral, bowtie, penne or even macaroni pasta will work the same, just use the same weight.

  • f you find that red onion is a little sharp in flavor, what I like to do is run it under the cold tap water first, then dry it before adding it to the salad mix.

  • If at all possible, use quality Greek feta made from sheep’s milk. Never crumble the feta, cut it into large chunks and add it on top of the salad.

  • Use up ingredients: There are many variations of orzo salad. Once you’ve tried it the traditional way, mix up those ingredients for a great use-up recipe.