Teresa's Recipes
Herbed Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This vibrant Herbed Orzo Salad is a delightful explosion of flavors and colors, making it the perfect dish for summer picnics or a light, healthy lunch. The tender orzo pasta is tossed with a medley of fresh herbs, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a touch of Mediterranean flair to your table, embodying the essence of sun-kissed cuisine. Historically, orzo has roots in Italy and Greece, where it has been used in various dishes for centuries, often symbolizing abundance and comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup, crumbled Feta cheese
- 1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool, spreading it out on a baking sheet to speed up the cooling process.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Once the orzo has cooled, add it to the bowl with the dressing and toss gently to ensure the orzo is evenly coated.
- Add the chopped parsley, basil, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to the orzo. Toss lightly to combine all ingredients without breaking the feta.
- Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavors, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips
- For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- You can substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.