Description
A refreshing and colorful Orzo Pasta Salad perfect for a quick lunch or a light side dish. This Mediterranean-inspired salad combines tender orzo pasta with crisp vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, tossed in a zesty olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: Cook the orzo pasta according to the package directions, usually boiling in salted water until tender. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the orzo down.
- Combine vegetables and cheese: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled orzo pasta with diced cucumber, red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a flavorful dressing.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the dressing over the orzo salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill before serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and serve chilled for the best taste.
Notes
- For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness.
- Use lemon juice instead of red wine vinegar for a different tangy flavor.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Make sure to rinse the cooked orzo with cold water to prevent clumping and to cool it down quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
