Greek Orzo Salad a Mediterranean Holiday on a Plate
Recipe Introduction
Ever find yourself craving a taste of the Mediterranean? Honestly, me too! So, let's dive into How To Make Greek Pasta .
This Greek Orzo Salad Recipe will transport you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece, no passport required!
This vibrant salad brings together all the best Authentic Greek Flavors pasta salad . Think of the classic Easy Greek Salad Recipe , but with pasta.
It's seriously simple, ready in under an hour. This Mediterranean Pasta Salad yields about six servings, perfect for a light lunch or a summer gathering.
A Taste of the Aegean
This recipe is inspired by the traditional Greek Orzo Salad Recipe , a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. It's all about fresh, simple ingredients.
Trust me, even if you're a complete beginner, you can nail this one. It’s a super quick and easy way to enjoy a bowl of Summer pasta salad recipes .
It only takes 1 hour to make the Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe from start to finish. This includes 20 minutes of prepping, 10 minutes of cooking the pasta and 30 minutes of chilling the salad for the flavours to meld.
Why You'll Love This
This Feta and Olive Pasta Salad is not just delicious; it's good for you too! Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, it's a guilt free way to enjoy a burst of flavor.
Also, the lemon in the Greek pasta salad dressing is great. This is a fab choice for a picnic or a BBQ.
It is special because it's so versatile and can be prepped ahead for ultimate convenience. It’s also great as make-ahead Greek pasta salad .
The Best pasta for Greek salad is Orzo. But you can also use Farfalle or Rotini pasta.
Right then, let's dive into what you'll need to nail this Greek Orzo Salad Recipe . Honestly, it's all about fresh ingredients and a bit of elbow grease.
It's almost an Easy Greek Salad Recipe !
Ingredients & Equipment
First, we'll suss out what you need. Then, we'll talk about the best pasta for Greek salad and what bits of kit you'll want.
We can even talk about how to use this as a summer pasta salad recipe .
Main Ingredients
Orzo Pasta: 1 pound (450g) . The darling of this Mediterranean Pasta Salad . You want it to look like a grain of rice.
Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (475ml) , halved. Get the ripest, reddest ones. They should smell sweet.
Cucumber: 1 . Peeled, seeded, and diced. English cucumbers are spot on.
Red Onion: ½ , thinly sliced. Not too strong, mind.
Kalamata Olives: ½ cup (70g) , pitted and halved. These are proper Greek olives.
Feta Cheese: 4 ounces (115g) , crumbled. Go for Greek feta in brine if you can.
Fresh Parsley & Dill: ¼ cup (15g) each, chopped. Fresh is best, end of.
Optional Bell Pepper: ½ cup (50g) , diced. Adds a bit of crunch.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ¼ cup (60ml) . The good stuff, not the cheap cooking oil.
Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons (45ml) , freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff just isn't the same.
Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Gives it a nice tang.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Adds a bit of kick.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon . A proper Greek flavour.
Dijon Mustard: ½ teaspoon . Just a touch for the dressing.
Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy.
You want quality feta. It will make or break it, this Feta and Olive Pasta Salad . Honestly. Good olive oil is a must.
It will enhance the Authentic Greek flavors pasta salad . This works best if you make-ahead Greek pasta salad and leave the flavor to mix.
Seasoning Notes
Oregano, garlic, and lemon are your best friends here. They're a match made in heaven! For a bit more depth, try a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Fresh herbs are non-negotiable. If you can't find dill, use mint. For me, a good Greek pasta salad dressing is all about the balance of acid and oil.
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot: To cook the orzo.
- Colander: To drain the orzo.
- Large Mixing Bowl: To combine everything.
- Whisk: For the dressing.
- Cutting Board & Knife: To chop the veggies.
Don't have a fancy whisk? A fork will do. No colander? A sieve will do. Honestly, cooking is about making do.
Just a few simple pieces is all you need for this Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe .
How To Make Greek Pasta: A Breeze from the Aegean
Fancy a taste of the Mediterranean? Yeah, me too! Let's talk How To Make Greek Pasta , particularly a ridiculously easy and flavourful Greek Orzo Salad Recipe .
Honestly, this salad is like sunshine in a bowl, perfect for a BBQ, picnic, or just a quick lunch. It’s also great if you are trying to find Summer pasta salad recipes , as it is refreshing and simple to make.
It's one of my favourite Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipes and I'm dying to share it with you.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, mise en place is your best mate! It simply means getting everything ready before you start. Chop your veggies, crumble the feta, and measure out your dressing ingredients.
This will save you time and prevent any kitchen disasters. We’re after an Easy Greek Salad Recipe after all. Think of it as your secret weapon to a stress free cooking experience.
My mum always says, "A tidy counter, a tidy mind!"
step-by-step: Greek Pasta Perfection
- Cook the Orzo: Cook 1 pound (450g) of orzo according to the package directions. Aim for al dente ; nobody likes mushy pasta!
- Veggie Prep: While the orzo cooks, chop 1 pint (475ml) cherry tomatoes, 1 cucumber, 1/2 red onion, and 1/2 cup (70g) Kalamata olives.
- Whip Up the Dressing: Whisk together 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons (45ml) lemon juice, 1 tablespoon (15ml) red wine vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Combine It All: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, chopped veggies, olives, and 4 ounces (115g) crumbled feta.
- Dress and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours mingle. It even tastes great if you make-ahead Greek pasta salad overnight!
Pro Tips for a Taverna Worthy Salad
Don't overcook that orzo! It's crucial for the texture. I learned that the hard way after ending up with a gloopy mess.
I highly recommend, as I use, good quality feta, it makes a world of difference. And honestly? Taste and adjust as you go.
Need more zing? Add a squeeze of lemon. Want it saltier? Throw in some extra olives. I personally love a Feta and Olive Pasta Salad .
This Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe has the best Authentic Greek flavors pasta salad . And if you are wondering which is the Best pasta for Greek salad , well I swear by Orzo.
But hey, don't let me stop you from trying out other small pasta shapes, farfalle or rotini work well too.
Also, If you are feeling creative, try different variations or substitutions to create your own unique twist. You can add some grilled chicken or shrimp to give it more body for example.
Experiment and have fun! Also, I’d suggest you to try with a Greek pasta salad dressing recipe.
Recipe Notes For Your Greek Orzo Salad
Right, so you're buzzing to How To Make Greek Pasta salad that's the bomb? Ace! Here's the lowdown on making it even better.
I swear, this salad is so good, it's practically a holiday in a bowl. Honestly, I reckon it's one of the Best pasta for Greek salad .
Ace Serving Ideas
Want to make your Greek Orzo Salad Recipe extra special? Lay it out all fancy! Try plating it on a bed of lettuce or scattering a few extra herbs on top.
Looks like you've gone to a bit of effort, you know? It goes brilliantly with grilled lamb chops, or even just some crusty bread and hummus.
A chilled glass of white wine? A must . Think Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, you can't go wrong with homemade lemonade.
Oof, just thinking about it is making me thirsty! It's the kind of dish that screams Summer pasta salad recipes !
Storing It Like a Pro
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is amazing the next day. Pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge.
It'll happily sit there for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together and get even better!
Freezing? I wouldn’t, personally. Pasta tends to get a bit mushy when defrosted, and nobody wants that. When reheating, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.
This will help bring the flavors back to life.
Switching Things Up
Fancy a change? No worries! For a vegetarian option, skip the feta or sub in a good vegan alternative. Add some grilled chicken or prawns for extra protein.
Seasonally speaking, you could swap out the regular tomatoes for some sun-dried ones in the winter. It gives it a deeper, richer flavor.
If you wanna maintain that Authentic Greek flavors pasta salad , then remember that the Greek pasta salad dressing is key!
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Okay, let’s keep this simple. Each serving racks up about 350 calories. Not bad, eh? You're getting a decent whack of protein (about 12g) and about 20g of healthy fats.
Plus, those veggies are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
This isn't just about taste; it's good for you too! Plus, it's easy to make-ahead Greek pasta salad . Perfect for meal prep, right? This Easy Greek Salad Recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
This salad will be a showstopper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Greek pasta salad ahead of time? Will it get soggy?
Absolutely! In fact, this salad is even better after it's had some time to sit. The flavors really meld together. To avoid sogginess, make sure to drain the orzo well after cooking and consider adding the dressing closer to serving time if you're making it more than a day in advance. No one wants a soggy bottom, eh?
How To Make Greek Pasta more interesting? Any variation ideas?
You bet! If you fancy a bit of a twist, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Diced bell peppers (any colour will do) also add a lovely crunch and sweetness. For a vegan version, swap the feta for marinated tofu or a vegan feta alternative. Get creative; it's your show!
What's the best way to store leftover Greek Orzo salad?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta might absorb some of the dressing over time, so you may want to add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice when serving to freshen it up. Think of it as a little pick-me-up for your pasta!
Is this Greek pasta salad healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
This salad is relatively healthy, packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein from the feta. However, be mindful of the olive oil and pasta portions if you're watching your calorie intake. Using whole wheat orzo can boost the fiber content, and opting for a lower fat feta will reduce the fat content.
Everything in moderation, as they say!
What kind of pasta can I use if I don't have orzo?
If you're all out of orzo, don't fret! Other small pasta shapes like ditalini, farfalle (bow ties), or even rotini work well as a substitute. Just make sure to cook them al dente nobody likes mushy pasta! Adjust cooking times according to the package directions for your chosen pasta.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this Greek pasta salad recipe?
While fresh herbs definitely give the best, brightest flavour, dried herbs can be used in a pinch. As a general rule, use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh. So, for this recipe, use about 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley and dill.
Remember to give the dried herbs a good rub between your fingers before adding them, to release their aroma and wake them up a bit!
Greek Orzo Salad A Mediterranean Holiday On A Pl
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 35g |
