Mediterranean Orzo Salad

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1 Mediterranean Orzo Salad Recipe
1.1 Ingredients
1.2 Dressing Ingredients
1.3 Instructions

Mediterranean Orzo Salad Recipe

This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for any occasion, whether as a side or a main course. It combines tender orzo pasta with colorful vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta (~260 grams)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ small red onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup kalamata olives, sliced
  • 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • ½ cup peperoncini, sliced
  • ½ large cucumber, quartered
  • 1 (15.5 oz.) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
  • 8 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh herbs (basil and parsley), chopped, to taste

Dressing Ingredients

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo is cooking, chop all the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, slice the olives and peperoncini, quarter the cucumber, and chop the artichokes.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked orzo along with all the prepared vegetables, chickpeas, and crumbled feta cheese.
  5. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

This salad is not only easy to make but also versatile; you can customize it by adding other ingredients like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Enjoy your Mediterranean Orzo Salad at picnics, barbecues, or as a delightful.