Description
A refreshing and vibrant Greek Orzo Salad combining tender orzo pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and peppery baby arugula, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 10 ounces Orzo Pasta (about 3 cups cooked)
- 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 cup English Cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives, sliced in half
- 3 Tablespoons Red Onion, diced
- 1/3 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups Baby Arugula
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Dill, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
Lemon Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 Garlic Clove, minced
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Boil the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool down, then set aside.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, diced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, baby arugula, chopped fresh dill, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Prepare Lemon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste until emulsified.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to serving bowls or a platter and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh herbs and high-quality feta cheese.
- The salad can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, but add the arugula just before serving to maintain its texture.
- Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
- If Kalamata olives are too strong, substitute with green olives or omit.
- Adjust the lemon vinaigrette seasoning to taste, adding a pinch of sugar if desired to balance acidity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek Orzo Salad, Mediterranean salad, orzo pasta salad, feta cheese salad, lemon vinaigrette, healthy salad
