Description
Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish packed with veggies, feta, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for warm weather meals, picnics, or as a side dish, this healthy salad is quick, easy, and full of Mediterranean flavors. Customizable with additional protein, it’s great for meal prep or a light lunch.
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Cook Orzo:
-
Cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
-
-
Prepare Vegetables:
-
Dice the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion. Slice the olives.
-
-
Make the Dressing:
-
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
-
-
Combine:
-
In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the veggies, olives, and feta. Pour the dressing over the top and toss to combine.
-
-
Garnish and Serve:
-
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
-
Notes
Add Protein: You can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp to this salad for a more filling meal.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for some heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free orzo or any other gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Cheese Variations: Swap feta with goat cheese or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
