Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that features tender orzo pasta tossed with an array of sun-ripened vegetables, briny olives, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing.
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 272kcal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups orzo
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes red and yellow, halved
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil chopped
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives sliced
- 1/4 cup green olives sliced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 6 ounces feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet, combine orzo and chicken stock. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer, and cook, covered, for about 10 minutes (according to package instructions). Check the orzo 5 minutes into the cooking, and stir it to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Orzo is cooked when all the water is absorbed and the orzo is slightly al dente. You might have to add more water if the orzo is undercooked or water evaporates too fast.
- Lower heat to low.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, green olives, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir all the ingredients together. Season with salt and pepper.
- When serving, top with feta cheese and fresh basil.
Video
Notes
- Cook the orzo pasta al dente to ensure it retains a pleasing texture in the salad and doesn't become mushy.
- For the dressing, use high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs to elevate the flavors and provide a delightful aroma.
- We like to use a rainbow of colored tomatoes to brighten up the salad even more.
- It's best to serve this dish right away because it can get clumpy as it sits, though you can revive it with a bit of olive oil and stir.
Nutrition
Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 535mg | Potassium: 404mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 382IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 1mg