Greek Orzo Salad is a flavorful and colorful dish that brings the tastes of the Mediterranean right to your table. It is light, refreshing, and packed with nutrients. Perfect for a summer picnic, a quick lunch, or as a side dish at dinner, this salad is a great way to enjoy healthy ingredients in a simple way.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that is both nutritious and tasty. Greek Orzo Salad is also great for meal prep, as it lasts well in the fridge and can be enjoyed over a few days. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser; your family and friends will love its vibrant flavors!
How to Make Greek Orzo Salad
Making Greek Orzo Salad is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to whip up this delightful dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Directions:
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and chickpeas.
- Toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Optionally, drizzle with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix well.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve Greek Orzo Salad
Greek Orzo Salad can be served in a large bowl for sharing or in individual portions. Enjoy it as a light main dish or as a side with grilled meats or seafood. It pairs well with a slice of crusty bread and a glass of iced tea or lemonade.
How to Store Greek Orzo Salad
To store Greek Orzo Salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last up to three days in the fridge. If the salad is dressed, the flavors will meld beautifully over time. If you prefer, you can keep the dressing separate to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
Tips to Make Greek Orzo Salad
- For added flavor, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- You can also toss in some feta cheese for a classic Greek touch.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach if you have them on hand.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; some people like it a bit zesty with more vinegar or lemon juice.
Variation
If you want a twist, try adding grilled chicken to make it a heartier meal. You can also substitute quinoa for orzo for a gluten-free version.
FAQs
1. Can I make Greek Orzo Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead or even the day before. It tastes great after the flavors have melded together.
2. What can I substitute for orzo pasta?
You can use any small pasta like couscous, quinoa, or even brown rice for a different texture.
3. Is Greek Orzo Salad suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! It’s a vegetarian-friendly dish and is also high in protein thanks to the chickpeas.
Enjoy your delicious Greek Orzo Salad, made with fresh ingredients and simple steps that anyone can follow!
Print
Greek Orzo Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light, refreshing salad packed with Mediterranean flavors, perfect for summer picnics, quick lunches, or as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and chickpeas.
- Toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Optionally, drizzle with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix well.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For added flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil or toss in some feta cheese. Adjust seasoning to your taste!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Greek salad, orzo recipe, Mediterranean healthy