Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is a refreshing and delicious dish that captures the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine. This salad is packed with nutritious ingredients and is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a lunch, dinner, or party. The combination of orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese makes it a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is a great choice for a number of reasons. First, it is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any cooking skills. Second, it is healthy and filled with colorful ingredients. Plus, it’s a wonderful dish to serve at gatherings, picnics, or as a side for Mediterranean-inspired meals. Lastly, leftovers can be enjoyed for days, making it a practical addition to your meal plan.
How to Make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 6-ounce cans marinated artichoke hearts, drained (reserve marinade)
- 1 cucumber (seeded and chopped)
- 1 tomato (seeded and chopped)
- 1 red onion (chopped)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 2-ounce can black olives, drained
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
Directions:
Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Prepare the Vegetables and Artichokes: While the orzo cooks, chop the cucumber, tomato, and red onion. Drain the artichoke hearts and cut them into smaller pieces if desired.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, artichoke hearts, cucumber, tomato, red onion, feta cheese, black olives, and parsley. Mix gently to combine.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved marinade from the artichoke hearts, lemon juice, dried oregano, and lemon pepper.
Refrigerate: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and stir well to coat all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Finish and Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy chilled!
How to Serve Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad can be served as a main dish or a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or can simply be enjoyed on its own. You can also garnish with additional feta cheese or parsley for a lovely presentation.
How to Store Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
To store Greek Orzo Pasta Salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you can add a little olive oil or lemon juice before serving again.
Tips to Make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
- Make sure to rinse the orzo after cooking to cool it down and prevent it from sticking together.
- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- If you prefer a zesty kick, add some diced bell peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Variation
You can make a Mediterranean version by adding ingredients like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even some chickpeas. Substitute quinoa for the orzo for a gluten-free option.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat orzo pasta?
Yes, whole wheat orzo is a healthy alternative that adds more fiber to the salad.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Traditional orzo pasta is made from wheat, making it not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or other grains.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Greek Orzo Pasta Salad can be made a day in advance. It even tastes better as it sits and the flavors combine. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator.
