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Fresh Greek Orzo Salad with Feta and Olives

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A light, refreshing Greek orzo salad featuring feta, Kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and a lemony dressing, perfect for summer parties and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup (170g) of orzo and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and immediately transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour this over the warm orzo and toss gently to coat.
  3. While the orzo cooks, dice 1 medium cucumber, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, finely chop 1/4 small red onion (if using), and chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons fresh mint.
  4. Fold in the prepared vegetables, 1/2 cup (75g) halved Kalamata olives, and 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese. Mix gently to combine without breaking up the feta too much.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Toss the orzo with the dressing while it is still warm to absorb flavors better. Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving for deeper flavor. Be gentle when crumbling feta to maintain texture. Use good quality olive oil and fresh lemon juice for best taste. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with quinoa or rice. For vegan, omit feta or use marinated tofu and nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek salad, orzo salad, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, summer salad, Mediterranean, easy salad recipe, party salad

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/fresh-greek-orzo-salad-with-feta-and-olives-easy-recipe-for-summer-parties/