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Greek Orzo Salad

Greek Orzo Salad: A Bright, Flavorful Summer Delight

Enjoy this vibrant Greek Orzo Salad, packed with fresh ingredients and flavors, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo Base of the salad; offers a pasta texture that contrasts beautifully with fresh vegetables.
  • 2 cups Vegetable Stock Enhances flavor when cooking orzo instead of using plain water.
  • 2 cups Water Necessary for cooking the orzo along with the vegetable stock.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds richness and keeps orzo from sticking together.
  • 1 cup Feta Cheese Provides creamy saltiness, making this Greek Orzo Salad irresistibly tasty.
  • 3 tablespoons Roasted Garlic Adds depth and richness; elevates the overall flavor of the salad.
  • 1 piece Shallot Delivers a mild onion flavor; finely diced for even distribution throughout.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Offers sweetness and juicy texture; can be halved or quartered for convenience.
  • 1 medium Cucumber Adds a refreshing crunch; peeled, seeded, and cut into half-moon shapes.
  • ½ cup Olives Contributes a briny flavor; a blend of green and Kalamata olives is recommended.
  • 1 whole Lemon Provide essential acidity and brightness that lifts all the flavors.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Basil, Mint, and Parsley Introduces herbaceous notes and freshness to each bite.
  • 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar A splash brings complexity and enhances the overall acidity.
  • to taste Salt/Pepper Adjust to taste; be mindful of the saltiness from feta and olives.

Equipment

  • medium pot
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Greek Orzo Salad
  1. In a medium pot, combine 2 cups of vegetable stock and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This flavorful liquid will serve as the cooking base for your orzo, enhancing its taste. It should take around 5-7 minutes to reach a boil.
  2. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the orzo is al dente. Stir occasionally, watching for the pasta to become tender yet firm. When done, drain and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  3. Transfer the drained orzo into a large mixing bowl. Immediately drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil while it’s still warm. Toss the orzo to coat evenly, preventing it from sticking together as it cools.
  4. In the bowl with the orzo, add 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 3 tablespoons of roasted garlic, and 1 finely diced shallot. Include 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 peeled and seeded cucumber (cut into half-moon shapes), and a mix of ½ cup olives.
  5. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and sprinkle in the zest for a burst of brightness. Add in ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil, mint, and parsley for added freshness. Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar.
  6. Season the salad with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors of your Greek Orzo Salad to meld beautifully.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill for at least two hours before serving to enhance flavors.

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