Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Orzo Pasta Salad featuring tender orzo pasta combined with crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a vibrant olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any meal, this salad is flavorful, colorful, and ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions in boiling salted water, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled orzo along with halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the orzo salad mixture and toss carefully to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking up the feta cheese too much.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the salad for a bright herbal flavor. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled for the best taste.
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Make sure to cool the orzo completely to keep the salad fresh and prevent it from getting mushy.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in the dressing.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Adjust salt and vinegar to taste depending on preference.
