Are you craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal? Look no further! This orzo pasta salad with feta is your answer. It's a simple dish bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a vibrant side dish at your next gathering. This easy recipe is packed with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and perfectly cooked orzo, creating a delightful culinary experience that’s both satisfying and healthy. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this incredibly versatile and flavorful dish!
Ingredients: What You'll Need
This orzo pasta recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Here's what you'll need to create this Mediterranean masterpiece:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Cooking the Perfect Orzo Salad
This orzo pasta recipe is straightforward and designed for even the busiest of cooks. Let's dive into the simple steps:
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Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the orzo and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool slightly.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and halve the Kalamata olives.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for a truly delicious orzo pasta salad. Before serving, garnish with fresh dill or parsley and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Orzo Pasta Salad
- Don't overcook the orzo: Overcooked orzo will become mushy. Aim for al dente, which means firm to the bite.
- Use high-quality olive oil: The olive oil significantly impacts the flavor of this dish. Opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to suit your preferences.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Variations: Get Creative with Your Orzo Salad
This basic recipe is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to customize it based on your taste and what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:
- Add different vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, or artichoke hearts would all be delicious additions.
- Use different herbs: Basil, mint, or thyme would be wonderful alternatives or additions to the oregano.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it vegan: Omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan feta alternative.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This is just an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 7-10 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
This orzo and feta salad is a testament to the magic of simple, fresh ingredients. It's a healthy meal option perfect for those busy weeknights, offering a delicious and satisfying taste of the Mediterranean without the fuss. Enjoy!