Description
Orzo Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly balances al dente orzo, crisp vegetables, savory olives, and creamy feta cheese. Dressed in a zesty lemon-oregano vinaigrette, this salad is an ideal choice for summer barbecues, family dinners, or meal prep. With its quick preparation time and nutritious ingredients, it offers a delightful blend of flavors that will please any palate. Enjoy it as a satisfying main course or as a colorful side dish at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces dry orzo pasta
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in a large pot with chicken broth and salt for about 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked orzo to the dressing along with cucumber, tomatoes, chickpeas, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. Toss to combine.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour to enhance flavors.
- Just before serving, fold in fresh basil and parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg