Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad Sunshine in a Bowl

Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad Sunshine In A Bow

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454g) orzo pasta
• 1 cup (225g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (113g) cucumber, diced
• ½ cup (85g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ½ cup (75g) red onion, finely chopped
• 4 ounces (113g) feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup (25g) fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup (25g) fresh mint, chopped
• ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
• While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and herbs. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, parsley, and mint.
• Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
• Gently crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:380 calories

Fat:18g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Salad

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for sunshine in a bowl? Honestly, this Pasta Salad recipe is like a mini-vacation. It is packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that’ll make you feel like you’re chilling on a Greek island.

Brief Overview

This Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is inspired by Greek and Italian flavors. It is super easy to make, takes about 60 minutes (including chilling time), and serves around 6 people.

Main Benefits

The Pasta Salad is packed with antioxidants from the fresh veggies and healthy fats from the olive oil. It is perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or BBQ.

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe is really special because it's so versatile and easy to customize.

Sunshine in a Bowl: Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

Picture this: tender orzo pasta, juicy tomatoes, and salty feta all tossed in a zesty dressing. This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is my go-to for summer gatherings, and honestly, I think it'll be yours too.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to throw together.

Why This Pasta Salad is a Winner

This isn't your average Cold Pasta Salad . No, this Pasta Food is a vibrant celebration of Mediterranean goodness. It's quick, requires minimal effort, and always gets rave reviews.

Trust me, even the fussy eaters in your family will be asking for seconds.

Assembling Your Pasta Salad Ingredients

Okay, let's talk Pasta Salad Ingredients . You'll need 1 pound of orzo pasta. Also grab 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced cucumber, and half a cup each of Kalamata olives and finely chopped red onion.

Don't forget 4 ounces of crumbled feta (the block feta is the best!), and a quarter cup each of fresh parsley and mint.

The Secret: Pasta Salad Dressing

The magic is in the Pasta Salad Dressing . You'll need a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar.

Then, add 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper.

This dressing really makes the Greek Pasta Salad sing.

The Pasta Salad Recipe Magic

This Summer Pasta Salad is more than just ingredients; it's about memories, about sharing laughter and good food with friends and family.

I remember making this for a Picnic Pasta Salad last summer and it was so popular that I had to double the recipe to feed everyone.

And that dressing? Honestly, I could drink it straight from the bottle.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Pasta Salad Game Plan

Alright, let's talk ingredients. Honestly, this Mediterranean Pasta Salad is all about fresh, vibrant flavours. It's basically sunshine in a bowl.

Main Pasta Salad Ingredients

• Orzo pasta: 1 pound ( 454g ). Quality orzo holds its shape when cooked.
• Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup ( 225g ), halved. Look for ripe, firm tomatoes.
• Cucumber: 1 cup ( 113g ), diced. English cucumbers are great, less seeds.
• Kalamata olives: ½ cup ( 85g ), pitted and halved. Go for good quality olives.
• Red onion: ½ cup ( 75g ), finely chopped. Not too much or it'll be overpowering.
• Feta cheese: 4 ounces ( 113g ), crumbled. Greek feta is the best!
• Fresh parsley: ¼ cup ( 25g ), chopped.
• Fresh mint: ¼ cup ( 25g ), chopped.

We will also need the ingredients for the pasta salad dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil: ¼ cup ( 60ml ).
• Fresh lemon juice: 3 tablespoons ( 45ml ).
• Red wine vinegar: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ).
• Garlic: 1 clove , minced.
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon .
• Salt: ½ teaspoon .
• Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon .

I still remember the first time I made a Pasta Salad . I used dried herbs. It wasn't the same. Fresh herbs make a huge difference, trust me.

Seasoning Notes for a Perfect Pasta Salad Dressing

Oregano and lemon are key. This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe relies on that combo. Garlic adds depth. Salt and pepper balance everything.

You could add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Want a tangier Summer Pasta Salad ? Add a touch more lemon juice!

Equipment Needed for this Pasta Food

• Large pot: For cooking the orzo.
• Colander: For draining the orzo.
• Large mixing bowl: To toss everything together.
• Whisk: To whisk the Pasta Salad Dressing .
• Cutting board & Chef's knife: For chopping veggies.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise measurements.

Honestly, you probably have everything already. No need for fancy equipment. This Greek Pasta Salad is all about simple, delicious ingredients.

You can even use a fork instead of a whisk in a pinch. Just make sure to whisk well!

Now, let's get cooking. This is going to be the best Picnic Pasta Salad ever. Don't forget to chill it for at least 30 minutes .

This is so Cold Pasta Salad intensifies the flavors. You'll thank me later.

Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad: Sunshine in a Bowl

Honestly, who doesn't love a good Pasta Salad ? This isn't your average chuck-it-all-in affair. This Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is like a mini-vacay in a bowl, trust me.

This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe features orzo, juicy tomatoes, salty feta, and a zingy lemon dressing. Ready to bring a taste of the Greek islands to your kitchen, luv?

Prep Like a Pro (and a Wee Bit OCD)

First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. Chop all your Pasta Salad Ingredients before you start cooking.

Honestly, it will save your sanity. Also, remember to boil your orzo before anything else! It's dead simple, but makes all the difference.

Step-by-Step to Salad Perfection

1. Cook the orzo in salted water until al dente , roughly 8- 10 minutes .
2. Drain and rinse with cold water. Nobody likes sticky pasta, right?
3. Chop tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and herbs. Prep is key!
4. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper.
5. Combine orzo, veg and herbs in a big bowl.
6. Pour over the Pasta Salad Dressing and toss it gently.
7. Crumble feta over the top. Don't be shy with the feta; it’s the star!
8. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let those flavours mingle.

Pro Tips for a Next-Level Salad

Want to impress? Toast your orzo in a dry pan before cooking. Seriously, it adds a nutty depth.

Watch out for soggy cucumbers; they can ruin the whole thing. Seed them before dicing.

This Cold Pasta Salad is even better made a day ahead. Just add the feta right before serving. It’s a perfect Picnic Pasta Salad .

Right then, off you pop and make yourself a bowl of sunshine. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Alright, so you're ready to dive into this Mediterranean Pasta Salad , that's smashing. Before you start chopping away, let's have a quick chat about some bits and bobs that'll make your Pasta Salad Recipe a total winner.

Honestly, it's the small details that make all the difference.

Serving Suggestions: Ace Presentation

Presentation matters, right? Nobody wants a Pasta Salad that looks like a dog's dinner. Think about layering your Pasta Food in a pretty bowl.

Garnishing with extra feta and a sprig of mint is a nice touch. For sides, I'd recommend some crusty bread to mop up that gorgeous dressing.

A crisp glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would be brill, especially on a hot day. This Summer Pasta Salad screams sunshine!

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

Right, so you've made your amazing Cold Pasta Salad , and you've got leftovers. Don't just chuck it in any old container! Pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I wouldn't recommend freezing it, the texture just won't be the same. When you reheat it, give it a good stir and add a splash of olive oil if it looks a bit dry.

Variations: Get Creative With Pasta Salad Ingredients

Fancy a change? Of course, you do! If you want to beef it up, chuck in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.

For my veggie mates, just skip the feta or find a vegan alternative. Want a bit of a kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the Pasta Salad Dressing does the trick.

You could even swap out the orzo for another small pasta shape like ditalini. Don't be afraid to experiment with Pasta Salad Ingredients and make it your own! This is an Easy Pasta Salad Recipe , so make it fun!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, so it's not exactly health food, but it's got some good stuff in it! We're talking about 380 calories per serving, 12 grams of protein, 18 grams of fat, 45 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber, 6 grams of sugar, and 450mg of sodium per serving.

The veg gives you vitamins, and the olive oil's a healthy fat. Just remember everything in moderation, my friends!

So, there you have it! You're all set to make the best Greek Pasta Salad this side of the Mediterranean.

Don't stress too much about getting it perfect, just have a go, and enjoy the process. This Picnic Pasta Salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Happy cooking, love!