Easy 1-Pan Mediterranean Orzo Salad Recipe

Welcome to Easy Eats Arena, your go-to source for delicious and easy-to-make recipes. Today, we’re diving into a delightful dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch: the Mediterranean Orzo Salad. This vibrant salad is a wonderful combination of orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy Greek dressing. Originating from Mediterranean cuisine, it’s a versatile and healthy pasta salad that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

A Big Thank You to The Mediterranean Dish!

Before we delve into the details of this recipe, we want to give a big shoutout to Suzy Karadsheh from The Mediterranean Dish for this fantastic recipe. Her creation is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a casual get-together.

Now, let’s explore why this Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a must-try and how to make it perfectly every time.

Why We Chose This Recipe

At Easy Eats Arena, we’re always on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare and healthy. The Mediterranean Orzo Salad by Suzy Karadsheh caught our eye for several reasons:

• Simplicity: The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complex cooking techniques.
• Flavor: The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing promises a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Health Benefits: Mediterranean cuisine is known for its health benefits, and this salad is no exception.
• Versatility: This salad can be served as a side dish or a main course, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Whether you’re looking to add a healthy option to your picnic menu or need a quick lunch idea, this Mediterranean Orzo Salad is an excellent choice.

Recipe Overview

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a quick look at what makes this Mediterranean Orzo Salad so special:

• Orzo Pasta: Orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, is the star of this salad. It cooks quickly and can be served hot or cold.
• Fresh Vegetables: The salad includes a colorful mix of tomatoes, green onions, bell peppers, and cucumbers.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley and dill add an earthy flavor that brightens the dish.
• Tangy Dressing: A Greek-style dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano ties everything together.
• Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, salty element that complements the other flavors.

Now, let’s break down the ingredients and steps in detail:

Ingredients Breakdown:

Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this Mediterranean Orzo Salad:

• Orzo Pasta: 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
• Tomatoes: 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved. These small tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad.
• Green Onions: 2, trimmed and chopped (both white and green parts). Green onions provide a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor.
• Bell Pepper: ½ green bell pepper, seeds removed, chopped. Bell peppers add a crisp texture and fresh taste.
• Cucumber: (Optional) If used, chop and add just before serving to avoid excess moisture.
• Herbs: 1 cup packed chopped fresh parsley and ½ cup packed chopped fresh dill. Fresh herbs are essential for the vibrant flavor of this salad.
• Kalamata Olives: ¼ cup sliced pitted Kalamata olives. These olives add a briny, tangy flavor.
• Capers: 2 teaspoons. Capers provide a sharp, tangy burst of flavor.
• Feta Cheese: To your liking. Feta cheese adds a creamy, salty element that ties the salad together.
• For The Dressing:
• Lemon: 1, zested and juiced. Lemon juice and zest provide a bright, tangy flavor.
• Olive Oil: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil is the base of the dressing and adds a rich, fruity flavor.
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced. Garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor.
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon. Oregano adds a warm, slightly bitter flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. These basic seasonings enhance all the other flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Making this Mediterranean Orzo Salad is quick and easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Cook the Orzo Pasta: Begin by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Typically, it takes about 8 minutes in salted boiling water to reach al dente. Once cooked, drain the orzo and let it cool briefly.
2. Prepare Vegetables and Herbs: While the orzo is cooking, chop the tomatoes, green onions, bell pepper, parsley, and dill. If using cucumbers, chop them as well but add them just before serving to avoid excess moisture. Combine the vegetables and herbs in a large mixing bowl along with the olives and capers.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can combine all the dressing ingredients in a Mason jar and shake vigorously.
4. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled orzo pasta to the bowl of vegetables and herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Top with chunks of feta cheese.
5. Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for about an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. However, if you’re in a hurry, even a few minutes in the fridge will help.

Recipe Review:

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients and steps, let’s dive into our review of the Mediterranean Orzo Salad.

• Clarity of Instructions: Suzy Karadsheh’s instructions are clear and detailed, making this recipe easy to follow. The steps are straightforward, and the tips for success are incredibly helpful, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve great results.
• Prep Time vs. Cook Time: The stated prep and cook times are accurate. The orzo cooks quickly, and the salad comes together in about 20 minutes. This makes it a perfect option for busy weeknights or when you need to prepare something quickly.
• Taste and Texture: This salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The orzo is tender, the vegetables are crunchy, and the feta adds a creamy, salty element. The dressing is bright and tangy, perfectly complementing the fresh ingredients. The overall result is a salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Tips for Success:

• Dress the Orzo While Warm: For the best flavor, dress the orzo while it’s still slightly warm. This allows the pasta to absorb the dressing and enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs are essential for the vibrant flavor of this salad. If you need to substitute dried herbs, use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to rest in the fridge for about an hour before serving to let the flavors meld. This step is crucial for achieving the best taste.
• Chop Vegetables Evenly: Chop the vegetables into small, even pieces to ensure a consistent texture and flavor distribution.

Nutrition Information:

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional information for the Mediterranean Orzo Salad based on the original recipe:

• Calories: 111.1 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6.9 g
• Protein: 1.7 g
• Fat: 8.6 g
• Fiber: 2.3 g
• Vitamin A: 1878.2 IU
• Vitamin C: 45.9 mg
• Calcium: 42.7 mg
• Iron: 1.5 mg

This recipe is low in calories and packed with vitamins, making it a healthy addition to any meal. It’s also suitable for vegetarian diets.

Conclusion:

Summary: The Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a versatile, flavorful dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for various occasions. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it a standout recipe that will impress your family and friends.

Final Thoughts: We highly recommend trying this recipe for your next picnic or as a refreshing side dish. Its ease of preparation and delightful flavors make it a go-to option for home cooks.

Link to Original Source: For the full recipe and more delicious Mediterranean dishes, visit The Mediterranean Dish [https://www.themediterraneandish.com/orzo-salad/].

Serving Ideas:

• Grilled Meats: This salad makes a perfect side dish for grilled meats such as lamb burgers, souvlaki, or yogurt-marinated grilled chicken breast.
• Seafood: Pair it with seafood like seared scallops, trout, salmon, or even a whole roasted branzino.
• Vegetarian Options: For a vegetarian meal, serve the salad alongside other Mediterranean favorites like hummus, falafel, or stuffed grape leaves.

Leftovers and Storage:

• If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 5 days. If the salad has feta cheese mixed in, it might get a bit softer, but the flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier.

Variation Ideas:

• Add Protein: To make this a heartier main dish, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
• Change Up the Veggies: Try adding roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
• Different Grains: Swap out orzo for other grains like quinoa, couscous, or farro for a twist on the classic recipe.

FAQs:

• Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to add the cucumbers and dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh.
• What can I use instead of feta cheese? If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can use goat cheese or a vegan feta alternative for a similar texture and flavor.
• Is this salad gluten-free? Orzo pasta is not gluten-free, but you can easily substitute it with gluten-free pasta or a grain like quinoa to make the salad gluten-free.