Greek Orzo Pasta Salad- When thinking of side dishes for the summer, my "chef brain" always wants to step a little outside the box. Anyone can make the usual salad recipes, (not that there's anything wrong with them!), but people look to the chefs in the world to "shake things up", so to speak. This Greek orzo salad really rises to this challenge perfectly.
Orzo pasta is shaped to resemble rice, therefore creating a unique texture and appearance in this pasta salad. The rest of the ingredients are favorites from the fabulously fresh and flavorful bounty that is Greek cuisine. Tangy and salty brined Kalamata olives, tart red onion, sweetly astringent oregano, and luscious extra virgin olive oil, to name a few.
We have been making and serving this Greek Orzo Pasta Salad to our friends and loved ones for years, and it has never failed to please. It's a very healthy alternative to a mayo based macaroni salad, with it's base dressing being just olive oil and fresh lemon juice. As it's written, it's vegetarian, but it can be vegan by omitting the cheese. Whether served as a side for a barbecue, or accompanied with protein of your choice as a light lunch, we think you'll really enjoy this pasta salad!
Jump to:
Newest Recipe!
Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe with Walnuts
This easy recipe is a great way to use up your summer zucchini harvest! Delicious zucchini bread made with just a few simple ingredients, is the perfect treat with a hot cup of coffee for a cool fall morning. The combination of tart apples, the nice crunch of roasted walnuts, and cozy spices make this zucchini apple bread a must try recipe this fall season!
Ingredients for Pasta Salad
- orzo pasta
- kalamata olives
- feta cheese
- oregano
- lemons
- extra virgin olive oil
- red onion
- salt and pepper
- cucumber
- fresh garlic (from our garden)
- cherry tomatoes
Procedure for Greek Orzo Pasta Salad:
Preparing Pasta and Herbs
Cook and strain orzo. Getting this cooked properly without over or under doing it can be difficult. 7 to 10 minutes should do it, remember that it will continue to cook through for a minute also. Rinse with cold water to chill thoroughly.
Pick the oregano from the stems, and rough chop as shown.
Knifework and Assembly
Small dice all remaining ingredients.
Toss all of the ingredients together and.. "season to taste "with the lemon juice and olive oil mixture mentioned below in the recipe.
Recipe
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 6 quart stock pot for cooking pasta
- 1 Chef Knife
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Measuring cup set
- 1 strainer
- 1 Rubber Spatula
- 1 citrus juicer
- 1 small bowl
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 1 Lb orzo pasta cooked
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 4-5 lemons juiced
- 2 cloves crushed chopped garlic
- ½ cup sliced red onion
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 1 average sized cucumber cut into cubes
- 1 cup kalamata olives cut in half
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese a little more for finished garnish
- 2 tbsps. fresh chopped oregano
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta in rapidly boiling salted water until al dente.
- Strain the orzo and rinse with cold water
- In a large mixing bowl combine all of the ingredients except the lemon juice and olive oil
- Juice the lemons into a small bowl, add the olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Whisk to combine and adjust the lemon or salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Pour the dressing over the prepared ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning, top with crumbled feta cheese and enjoy!
Chris
Fresh easy salad
rushingwaters
great way to introduce the family to orzo!
Jason Miller
It is such a simple and quick pasta to cook, we are glad that the family enjoyed it.