Description
Sundried Tomato Feta Orzo Salad is a vibrant, refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad perfect for warm weather. It combines tender orzo pasta with tangy sundried tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, crisp cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic olive oil dressing. Easy to prepare and highly versatile, this salad is ideal as a side dish, picnic addition, or light main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped (if large)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it for the salad.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: While the orzo cooks, chop the sundried tomatoes if needed, dice the cucumber, pit and slice the Kalamata olives, and finely chop the fresh basil and parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled orzo with sundried tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, herbs, and crumbled feta. Pour in the dressing and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow all flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the orzo; keep it al dente for a pleasing texture.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavor melding.
- Adjust dressing quantities to taste, adding lemon juice or olive oil gradually.
- Fold in feta gently to preserve its creamy texture without breaking it down.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg