Name: Orzo Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 0.5 cup cucumber (diced); 0.5 cup red onion (thinly sliced); 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 0.25 cup feta cheese (crumbled)

What is an orzo salad? I swear, just looking at the vibrant colors makes me feel happier. I’ve been making this salad for years, tweaking and perfecting it until it became a staple at every meal. What is a family gathering? I remember those long summer days playing in the garden as a kid, my mom always had something to do with me. Fresh and delicious ready to go. Think of it as Pasta Salad‘s more sophisticated, slightly healthier, and infinitely more flavorful. What is the Mediterranean twist to this recipe? How do you keep your socks off? What is better than a mayonnaise-laden pasta salad? One is light, refreshing, and packed with goodness.

What is Orzo Salad?

Orzo salad is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and textures. Is it a Pasta Salad? Macaroni, it features orzo – a small, rice-shaped pasta. Think of it as tiny grains of deliciousness, perfect for soaking up all the amazing flavors you can imagine. The beauty of orzo is its versatility. Is it like a blank canvas just begging to be adorned with all sorts of yummy things? What’s in this salad: fresh vegetables, tangy cheeses, zesty herbs, and a light, bright dressing that ties it all together? All together. Is this a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for warm weather?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even begin? This **orzo Salad Recipe** is a total winner for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of the slightly nutty orzo, the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes, the salty bite of feta cheese, and the herbaceous kick of fresh basil is just *chef’s kiss*. The lemony dressing adds the perfect amount of tanginess to cut through the richness. It’s truly addictive. Secondly, it’s unbelievably easy to make. Even if you’re not a confident cook, you can totally nail this. It’s basically just cooking the pasta, chopping some veggies, and tossing everything together with a simple dressing. My kids even help me make it!

What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking. What are some good substitutions for feta cheese? If you have any veggies on hand, throw them in a bowl. What are some of the best foods to eat: cucumbers, zucchini, bell peppers and zucchini? Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. What are some of the best ingredients to use in a grocery store? Is it good for meal prep? Is it even better to eat the next day after all the flavors have melded together? I prefer it the day after I make it. What is a Caprese salad? If you love Caprese, you’ll adore this!

How do I make Orzo Salad?

Quick Overview

What is the best orzo Salad Recipe? How do you cook orzo until al dente? While the pasta is cooking, you’ll chop up a rainbow of fresh veggies and whip together an addictive sauce. Lemon vinaig What’s the point of tossing everything together in a large bowl and letting the flavors come together? Is it so simple, yet the end result is incredibly impressive? I promise, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together!

Ingredients

What is the Orzo Salad?
* 1 pound orzo pasta
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
* 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (I prefer to buy a block and crush it myself for the best flavor)
* 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
* 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional, but I love the briny flavor they add)
* 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped (again, optional, but they add a little more flavor to the dish) What is a concentrated burst of flavor?

What is the recipe for lemon vinaigr
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons) * 1 lemon at a time.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

What are the steps for

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Bring salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. How do you drain orzo well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This is crucial! What is the best way to serve orzo in a large bowl?

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While an orzo is cooking, prep your vegetables. What is the best way to halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion? I like to soak the red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow out its sharpness. What is a trick I learned from my grandma?

Step 3: Make the Lemon Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and pepper. Set aside. What is the best way to use pepper, and red pepper flakes? Make sure to whisk it vigorously so the dressing emulsifies properly. I sometimes add a little honey to the dressing if I want it sour. But that’s not what I’m going to do. Is it optional?

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, basil, Kalamata olives (if using), and mix well. Serve immediately. If using sun-dried tomatoes, to the bowl with the orzo. What is the best lemon vinaigrette to serve with a salad? If you overmix the feta cheese, be careful not to over mix it. It will crumble too easily.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. What is the best way to prepare a salad after it’s been chilling? Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss and adjust the seasoning if needed. I usually add lemon juice and salt to brighten it up. Serve chilled and enjoy!

What is the best way to serve it?

What are some of the best orzo salad recipes?

For a light lunch:What is a salad? What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled chicken or fish?

For a BBQ:What are some great side dishes to bring to a potluck? It goes great with grilled burgers, sausages or chicken.

For a Picnic:What is the best way to take a picnic? It’s easy to transport and doesn’t require any heating.

As a Side Dish to Dinner:Serve it with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or a simple veggie burger for an easy and delicious meal. What is the most satisfying

My family loves it with grilled shrimp skewers. The lemon in the vinaigrette complements the shrimp perfectly. What are some good ways to serve this salad with crusty bread?

What are some tips for perfecting orzo salad?

What are some of the best ways to take your Orzo Salad Recipe to the next level?

Don’t overcook the orzo:What is the key to a good orzo salad? Is it al dente, meaning it’s slightly firm to bite? Overcooked orzo will be mushy and unpleasant.

Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. Use ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant basil. Splurge on good quality feta cheese – it makes a big difference!

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment with Flavors: This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to add other vegetables, herbs, or cheeses that you enjoy. Some of my favorite additions include roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes. I once accidentally added some chopped mint instead of basil (oops!) and it was surprisingly delicious!

Make It Ahead of Time: This salad actually tastes better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld. So, feel free to make it a day or two in advance.

Adjust the Dressing to Your Liking: The lemon vinaigrette is the heart of this salad. Adjust the amount of lemon juice, garlic, and oregano to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little honey or maple syrup.

Don’t Forget the Salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors of the salad. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Add Some Protein: Turn this salad into a complete meal by adding some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. I often toss in some leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy lunch.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your **orzo Salad Recipe** fresh and delicious.

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving this salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially if it’s a hot day. The feta cheese and dressing can spoil quickly.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the orzo salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The salad will actually taste better the next day, as the flavors have had a chance to meld together.

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the orzo can become mushy and the vegetables can lose their texture. The feta cheese also doesn’t freeze well.

Glaze Timing Advice: Since there’s no glaze, you don’t have to worry about that!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the orzo pasta with a gluten-free orzo pasta. There are several brands available in most grocery stores. Just be sure to cook it according to the package directions, as gluten-free pasta can sometimes be a bit more delicate than regular pasta.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Of course! While feta cheese is the classic choice for this salad, you can certainly experiment with other cheeses. Goat cheese, mozzarella, or even Parmesan cheese would all be delicious alternatives. Just keep in mind that each cheese will have a slightly different flavor and texture, so choose one that you enjoy.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Adding protein is a great way to turn this salad into a complete meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or even white beans would all be excellent additions. Just toss them in with the other ingredients before serving.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by substituting the feta cheese with a vegan feta cheese alternative. There are several brands available that are made from plant-based ingredients like tofu or almonds. You can also simply omit the feta cheese altogether and add some extra vegetables or herbs to compensate.

How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?

This salad will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. The flavors will actually meld together and improve over time, so it’s a great salad to make ahead of time. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving.

Final Thoughts

This **orzo salad recipe** is truly a taste of sunshine in a bowl. It’s fresh, flavorful, easy to make, and incredibly versatile. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a backyard barbecue. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge. If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy Pasta Salad, look no further! I know you’ll love this recipe as much as my family does.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Mediterranean-inspired dishes, like my Greek Salad or my Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken. And if you try this recipe, please let me know what you think in the comments below! I love hearing from you. Happy cooking!