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Fresh Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Easy Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

Mediterranean Orzo Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired orzo salad tossed with fresh veggies, feta cheese, and a bright lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for busy days, potlucks, or light meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente.
  2. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. While the orzo cooks, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the Kalamata olives, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop the parsley and mint (if using). Add all to the bowl with the orzo.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Pour the vinaigrette over the orzo and veggies. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  6. Add crumbled feta cheese and fold it in gently to keep the cheese from breaking down too much.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Stir before plating and garnish with extra parsley or mint if desired.

Notes

Rinsing the orzo under cold water immediately after cooking stops the cooking process and prevents mushiness. Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor melding. For vegan or dairy-free versions, omit feta or substitute with plant-based cheese or toasted nuts. Use a small jar with a lid to emulsify the vinaigrette easily.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean salad, orzo salad, lemon vinaigrette, easy pasta salad, healthy side dish, summer salad, quick salad

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/fresh-mediterranean-orzo-salad-recipe-easy-lemon-vinaigrette-dressing/