Description
The Best Orzo Pasta Recipe is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Perfect for warm days, this refreshing orzo salad features crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing that combines both Greek salad dressing and fresh lemon juice. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, preparing a potluck dish, or looking for an easy make-ahead lunch, this versatile recipe is sure to impress. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also offers a burst of freshness from garden herbs like parsley and mint. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with grilled chicken or turkey for added protein—this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups dried orzo pasta
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh mint, chopped
- Greek salad dressing or red apple vinegar vinaigrette
- Fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in boiling salted water until al dente; drain.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables by chopping them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked orzo with the chopped veggies and crumbled feta.
- Dress the mixture with Greek salad dressing (or vinegar) and fresh lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg