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Fresh Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Feta and Olives

Mediterranean Orzo Salad - featured image
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A fresh, light, and flavorful Mediterranean orzo salad perfect for summer, featuring feta, olives, and a bright lemon dressing. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a quick lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (about 270 grams) orzo pasta
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice from 2 lemons (about ¼ cup or 60 ml)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (about 150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup (about 75 grams) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ½ cup (about 120 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water (about 4 quarts) to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups (270 g) of orzo and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Drain the orzo in a colander, rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil, juice from 2 lemons (about ¼ cup/60 ml), minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and halved Kalamata olives to the cooled orzo. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Crumble feta cheese on top and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Toss lightly to combine without breaking up the feta too much.
  6. Taste and season with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  7. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld, or serve immediately if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the orzo to avoid mushy texture. Rinse orzo under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and cool quickly. Toss gently after adding feta to keep it in chunks. Dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated. For gluten-free, use corn or rice-based orzo alternatives. For dairy-free, omit feta or substitute with firm tofu and add toasted pine nuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean salad, orzo salad, feta cheese, olives, summer salad, easy salad recipe, light lunch, picnic food

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/fresh-mediterranean-orzo-salad-with-feta-and-olives-easy-homemade-recipe-for-summer/