Teresa's Recipes
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, combining al dente orzo pasta with crisp vegetables and briny Kalamata olives. Tossed in a zesty lemon-Dijon vinaigrette and topped with creamy feta cheese, this salad is not only refreshing but also a celebration of the Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits and delicious ingredients. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, it’s a dish that brings sunshine to your table!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 1 medium, diced Cucumber
- 1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1, diced Red bell pepper
- 1/2, finely chopped Red onion
- 1/2 cup, pitted and sliced Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup, crumbled Feta cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, sliced Kalamata olives, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined to create the vinaigrette.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the orzo salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing taste of the Mediterranean!
Tips
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Feel free to substitute the vegetables based on your preference or what’s in season.
- This salad can be made a day in advance for a quick meal prep option.