This Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta is the perfect addition to any meal. It’s a vibrant, refreshing dish that shines at potlucks, picnics, and parties. Not only does it pair beautifully with grilled meats, but its hearty mix of ingredients makes it satisfying enough for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of al dente orzo, colorful vegetables, tangy olives, and creamy feta creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This orzo pasta salad comes together quickly and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy days.
- Bursting with Flavor: Each bite is packed with fresh ingredients and a zesty vinaigrette that brightens the dish.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect as a side for barbecues or as a standalone meal; it suits countless occasions.
- Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with vegetables and protein from chickpeas, this salad fits well into Mediterranean diet recipes.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins to make this dish uniquely yours.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your Orzo Pasta Salad, gather the essential tools that will simplify your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or jar for dressing
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: Prevents the orzo from sticking while sautéing, ensuring even cooking without burnt bits.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling over.
- Whisk or jar: Makes mixing the dressing easy; a jar allows for shaking without mess.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 16 oz. uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp EACH salt, pepper
- 1/2 red onion (chopped)
- 2 ears grilled corn, cut off the cob (grilling optional but recommended)
- 1 English cucumber (sliced and quartered)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans (chickpeas) (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives (halved)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1/2 cup feta
For the Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 TBS EACH fresh dill, parsley, oregano (OR 1 tsp EACH dried)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp EACH pepper, salt
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Combine all dressing ingredients in either a small bowl or a jar. Whisk or shake well until emulsified. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Cook the Orzo
In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Once melted, increase heat to medium-high. Add orzo and chopped red onions to the skillet. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until onions soften.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer until orzo is al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Stir frequently during the last couple of minutes to prevent burning. If there’s leftover liquid after cooking, drain any excess before cooling.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Transfer cooked orzo to a large bowl and let cool in the refrigerator. Chop all salad veggies while waiting. Once cooled, add all salad ingredients to the bowl with orzo.
Step 5: Dress and Serve
Pour prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice or salt as desired.
Enjoy your delicious Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta!
How to Serve Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta
This Orzo Pasta Salad recipe with feta is versatile and can be served in several delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a picnic, or simply having a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
As a Standalone Lunch
- Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Enjoy it cold as a refreshing lunch option on hot days.
At Potlucks and Picnics
- Serve it in a large bowl for guests to help themselves.
- Offer individual portions in mason jars for easy transport and serving.
As a Side Dish
- Complement grilled meats such as steak or lamb with this vibrant salad.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
With Bread
- Accompany the salad with crusty bread or pita for dipping.
- Try garlic bread for an extra flavor boost.
Topped with Extra Feta
- Sprinkle additional feta cheese on top just before serving for added creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color.
How to Perfect Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta
To achieve the best results with your Orzo Pasta Salad recipe with feta, consider these helpful tips that will enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality feta to elevate the overall taste.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes after mixing to allow flavors to meld together.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving and adjust lemon juice, salt, or pepper according to your preference.
- Add Protein: Consider adding grilled shrimp or chicken for a heartier option that makes it suitable as a main dish.
- Vary Your Vegetables: Feel free to include seasonal veggies like asparagus or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta
This delicious Orzo Pasta Salad recipe pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.
- Grilled Vegetable Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection adds depth and flavor.
- Mediterranean Hummus: Serve creamy hummus alongside pita chips or fresh veggies for dipping; it’s perfect for sharing!
- Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: Marinated chicken grilled until juicy enhances the Mediterranean theme of your meal.
- Tabbouleh Salad: A refreshing bulgur salad packed with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon offers bright flavors that pair nicely.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves: These flavorful bites add authenticity and are great finger food options at gatherings.
- Roasted Potatoes with Herbs: Crispy potatoes seasoned with rosemary and garlic make a comforting yet sophisticated side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the overall taste and texture. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Using overcooked orzo: Overcooking the orzo can lead to a mushy texture. Make sure to cook it al dente according to package instructions for the best results.
- Skipping the dressing: The dressing adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it; prepare it in advance and let it meld before adding it to your salad.
- Not cooling the orzo: Adding warm orzo directly to the salad can wilt the vegetables. Allow it to cool in the refrigerator before mixing.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your salad before serving! Seasoning can vary based on individual preferences, so adjust lemon juice, salt, and pepper as needed.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate this dish. Avoid using stale or old ingredients for the best flavor and nutrition.
Refrigerator Storage
- Orzo pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
- Ensure that the salad is completely cooled before sealing it in a container to maintain freshness.
Freezing Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta
- Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to its ingredients which may change texture when thawed.
- If necessary, you can freeze only the cooked orzo for up to 2 months.
Reheating Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the salad in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a portion of the salad in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until warm.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and gently heat while stirring until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add dressing right before serving for optimal freshness.
What other vegetables can I add to my Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta?
Feel free to customize by adding veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers according to your preference!
Is this Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge and makes for an easy grab-and-go lunch throughout the week.
Can I substitute feta cheese in this recipe?
Yes! You can use crumbled goat cheese or even skip cheese altogether if desired.
Final Thoughts
This Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It works well as a side dish for any meal or as a light main course. You can customize it by adding more veggies, proteins, or different dressings based on what you have available. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta
Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta is a delightful, refreshing dish that elevates any meal. This colorful salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a light lunch. Bursting with flavors from al dente orzo, vibrant vegetables, tangy olives, and creamy feta, it’s sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. Easy to prepare and customizable to your liking, this recipe fits seamlessly into any Mediterranean diet plan while being healthy and satisfying. Whether enjoyed on its own or accompanying grilled meats, this Orzo Pasta Salad is a must-try!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 16 oz uncooked orzo pasta
- 4 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 red onion (chopped)
- 2 ears grilled corn (optional)
- 1 English cucumber (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 can garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (halved)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
Instructions
- Make the dressing by whisking all dressing ingredients together in a jar or bowl; refrigerate.
- In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Sauté orzo and chopped red onion for about 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; bring to a simmer for about 8–10 minutes until orzo is al dente. Allow to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled orzo with all salad ingredients.
- Pour dressing over salad mixture; toss gently to coat evenly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes after mixing to enhance flavor. Feel free to add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
