Orzo Salad

Bright, colorful, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this refreshing Orzo Salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion. Featuring tender orzo pasta tossed with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, vibrant red bell peppers, and tangy black olives, this salad comes together with a zesty lemon-garlic dressing that ties every bite together beautifully. Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy touch, while fresh parsley lends an herbaceous finish. Quick to prepare in just 25 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal for meal prep, picnics, or light lunches. Serve it chilled to let the flavors meld and transport your taste buds to a Mediterranean paradise. Keywords: Orzo Salad, Mediterranean salad, pasta salad recipe, easy summer side dish, lemon dressing.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups orzo pasta
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 0.5 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup black olives, sliced
• 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2

While the orzo is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the black olives if not pre-sliced. Chop the fresh parsley.

Step 3

In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.

Step 6

Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Step 8

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy your refreshing Orzo Salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1257.6 grams (1257.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2113

Total Fat 94.70g	121%
Saturated Fat 27.00g	135%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 100mg	33%
Sodium 3405mg	148%
Total Carbohydrate 272.70g	99%
Dietary Fiber 29.30g	105%
Total Sugars 24.90g
Protein 61.50g	123%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 840mg	65%
Iron 20mg	109%
Potassium 1797mg	38%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.9%

Protein: 11.2%

Carbs: 49.8%