Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

This Greek Orzo Salad is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish excellent for a light-weight lunch, aspect dish, and even as a primary course. Made with orzo pasta, crunchy cucumbers, hearty tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, this wholesome salad is wearing a tangy lemon-dijon French dressing. Whether or not you’re meal prepping or on the lookout for a crowd-pleasing aspect, this straightforward Greek pasta salad might be your go-to recipe!

Full of recent components like Persian cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and crimson onion, this salad will not be solely stuffed with taste but in addition wealthy in vitamins. The lemon French dressing dressing provides a refreshing zesty kick that ties all of the components collectively. This dish is gluten-free should you go for a gluten-free orzo, and it’s additionally excellent for vegan diets when substituting feta with a plant-based different.

Components

8 ounces dry orzo
1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
2 Persian cucumbers, quartered
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
¼ cup crimson onion, diced
¼ cup recent dill, chopped

Dressing

1 small shallot, minced
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon oregano
4 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt, to style
Black pepper, to style

Directions

Convey a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook dinner the orzo in line with the package deal instructions till al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water till it’s absolutely cooled.
To make the dressing, whisk collectively the minced shallot, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and oregano in a big bowl. Slowly add the olive oil whereas whisking to create a easy emulsion. Season with salt and pepper to style.
Add the cooled orzo, grape tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, crimson onion, and recent dill to the bowl with the dressing. Toss every thing collectively till well-coated.
Season once more with salt and pepper to style. Serve instantly or chill within the fridge for an hour to permit the flavors to meld.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Contemporary and Flavorful: This Greek orzo salad is loaded with crisp greens, briny olives, and tangy feta, balanced completely with a zesty lemon-dijon dressing.
Fast and Straightforward: Prepared in simply 20 minutes, making it excellent for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable: Add your favourite veggies, proteins, or swap the dressing to fit your style.
Excellent for Meal Prep: This salad stays recent for a number of days, making it best for meal prepping or packing for lunches.

Ideas

Use Contemporary Herbs: Contemporary dill is a key taste part on this salad. Don’t substitute with dried herbs for one of the best consequence.
Chill Earlier than Serving: Letting the salad chill within the fridge for an hour will assist the flavors come collectively superbly.
Cook dinner Orzo Al Dente: Be certain to not overcook the orzo to maintain the feel excellent within the salad.

Variations and Substitutions

Add Grilled Rooster or Shrimp: For a extra substantial meal, add some grilled rooster or shrimp.
Gluten-Free Possibility: Use gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta of your selection.
Vegan Possibility: Skip the feta or substitute with a vegan cheese to make the salad utterly plant-based.
Further Crunch: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch.

FAQs

Can I make this forward of time?
Sure, this salad really will get higher because it sits, so be at liberty to organize it a day prematurely.

Can I substitute the orzo with one thing else?
Sure, you need to use any small pasta like couscous, quinoa, or rice should you choose.

How lengthy will this salad final?
Greek orzo salad will last as long as 3-4 days when saved in an hermetic container within the fridge.

Serving

Serve this Greek orzo salad as a light-weight lunch, a refreshing aspect dish, and even as a primary dish with the addition of grilled rooster, lamb, or falafel. Pair it with a heat pita and tzatziki sauce for an genuine Mediterranean meal.

Solutions

Pair with Grilled Meat: This salad is a superb aspect for grilled meats like rooster, steak, or lamb.
Prime with Further Feta: Add a bit of further crumbled feta on high for an excellent cheesier dish.
Take pleasure in with Hummus: Serve with a aspect of hummus and pita for a whole Mediterranean-inspired meal.