This Greek-inspired orzo salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer. The combination of orzo pasta, tangy feta cheese, crunchy cucumber, and juicy tomatoes creates a burst of flavors in every bite. It's a simple, yet satisfying salad that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish at barbecues and picnics. The recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Serve chilled for the best flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, sliced red onion, and halved Kalamata olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo salad and toss to combine. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the orzo salad chilled and garnish with additional fresh dill if desired.
Interesting Facts
Orzo, also known as risoni, is a type of pasta that resembles large grains of rice.
Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and adds a tangy and creamy element to this salad.
The combination of lemon juice and olive oil in the dressing adds brightness and depth of flavor.
This salad can be customized by adding other ingredients like roasted red peppers or grilled chicken.