Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Stuck for potluck ideas ? Honestly, who isn't? This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is sunshine in a bowl. It's bursting with flavor.

Brief Overview

This mediterranean salad recipe hails from the sun-kissed shores of, well, everywhere in the med really. it's easy peasy to make.

Prep takes about 20 mins, cooking 12, and it feeds 8-10 hungry souls. perfect for a potluck .

Main Benefits

Orzo salad is fairly good for you, packing in some fiber and vitamins from the veggies. serve it up at your next summer potluck or bbq.

This recipe's special because it's so darn versatile. you can bung in whatever mediterranean goodies you have knocking about.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:12 Mins

Servings:8-10 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) orzo pasta
• Water for boiling, generously salted
• 1 cup (140g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cup (85g) sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced (about 1 cup/150g)
• 1/2 cup (28g) red onion, finely diced
• 4 ounces (115g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup (loosely packed) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup (loosely packed) fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook the orzo according to package directions in generously salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly again.
• While the orzo is cooking, chop all the vegetables and herbs as listed in the ingredient list.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• In the large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
• Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
• For best flavor, cover and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:20g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Salad

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Ingredients for Your Potluck Extravaganza

Right then! Let's brew up a good batch of ingredients for our Mediterranean Orzo Salad potluck extravaganza!

• Orzo Time : 1 pound orzo pasta, plenty of salted water.
• Mediterranean Magic : 1 cup Kalamata olives, 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 red bell pepper, 1/2 cup red onion, 4 ounces feta, 1/2 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup fresh mint.
• Zesty Vinaigrette : 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 garlic clove, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, pinch red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper.

Let's Get Cooking: Making Your Orzo Salad

First, boil the orzo pasta until al dente. You know, with a bit of bite. Drain and rinse it with cold water. Nobody wants a mushy pasta salad for potluck !

While that's happening, chop all your lovely veggies and herbs. Get that vinaigrette whisked up. I usually give it a good shake in a jar because I'm lazy.

Then, bung everything in a big bowl. Easy potluck recipes are all about minimizing fuss, right?

Tips, Tricks, and Tasty Tweaks

Don't overcook the pasta! honestly, it's the cardinal sin of pasta salad making. use good olive oil. makes all the difference.

Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. the flavors need a chance to get acquainted. it’s the make ahead potluck salad secret weapon.

Taste and adjust the dressing. you might want a bit more lemon, or a touch more oregano. make it yours!

This italian pasta salad is delicious with grilled chicken or fish. for vegetarians, just leave out the feta or use a vegan alternative.

Cucumber, artichoke hearts, or roasted veg are also great additions.

So, there you have it! A crowd pleasing salad recipe that’s perfect as a potluck side dish . Go forth and conquer that potluck! You got this.

Alright, let's get cracking on this mediterranean orzo salad , perfect for potluck ideas ! this isn't just any pasta salad; it's sunshine in a bowl, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleasing salad recipe .

Honestly, finding easy potluck recipes can be a right pain, but this one's a breeze.

Ingredients & Equipment: Get Your Kit On

Okay, right then! let's brew up a good batch of for our mediterranean orzo salad potluck extravaganza. this vibrant and flavorful mediterranean orzo salad is a guaranteed potluck hit.

Inspired by the sun-drenched flavors of greece and italy, this salad features tender orzo pasta tossed with kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette.

It's light, refreshing, and packed with goodness.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

• Orzo: 1 pound (450g) . Look for good quality orzo. It should be smooth and have a slightly nutty smell.
• Kalamata Olives: 1 cup (140g) , pitted and halved. Get the good ones, packed in brine, not vinegar. Trust me.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1 cup (85g) , oil-packed, drained, and chopped. If they're proper dry, soak 'em in warm water for 10 minutes to soften up a bit.
• Red Bell Pepper: 1 (about 1 cup/150g) , cored, seeded, and diced. Nice and bright red ones only!
• Red Onion: 1/2 cup (28g) , finely diced. Soak in cold water for 5 minutes to take the edge off if it's a bit strong.
• Feta Cheese: 4 ounces (115g) , crumbled. Brined feta is the way to go! It's much creamier.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/2 cup , chopped. Flat-leaf parsley is best, but curly works in a pinch.
• Fresh Mint: 1/4 cup , chopped. Adds a lovely freshness. Don't skip it!
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) , good quality!
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons (45ml) . Always fresh, never bottled.
• Red Wine Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
• Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Go easy on it if you're not a fan.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional) . For a little kick, you know?
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, obviously!

Seasoning Notes: Let's Talk Flavor!

This is where the magic happens. the oregano and basil are your essential spice combinations for that classic italian pasta salad feel.

A little red pepper flake adds a zing. no fresh herbs? use dried, but halve the amount. lemon is the flavor enhancer , so don't skimp.

For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of dijon mustard to the vinaigrette. quick sub: no red wine vinegar? use white wine vinegar or even a dash of balsamic!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

• Large pot: For cooking the orzo salad recipe .
• Colander: To drain the pasta.
• Large mixing bowl: For tossing everything together.
• Whisk: For the vinaigrette.

That’s your summer potluck ideas sorted.

Right then, off to the next stage!

Alright, let's get cracking! "potluck ideas," eh? right up my street. we're aiming for something crowd-pleasing, easy to transport, and not too fiddly, because let's face it, everyone's already juggling a million things when heading to a potluck .

I'm thinking a pasta salad is always a winner. it's flexible, travels well, and everyone loves a good carb load.

So, let's dive into the heart of making this dish a proper success with my mediterranean orzo salad recipe.

Cooking Method: Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Honestly, this salad is a staple at my summer get-togethers. It's like bottled sunshine. I reckon it's got something for everyone. Plus, it's dead easy.

Prep Steps: Getting Organized

First things first: mise en place . Basically, get everything chopped and measured before you even think about turning on the hob.

• Essential mise en place: Dice your red bell pepper. Finely dice the red onion. Chop the Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Crumble the feta. Chop your fresh parsley and mint.
• Time-saving organization tips: Do all your chopping the night before if you're in a rush. Honestly, it makes a massive difference.
• Safety Reminders: Watch your fingers when chopping! We don't want any accidents.

Step-by-Step: The Easy Peasy Bit

This really is foolproof, I promise.

1. Cook your orzo according to the packet. Usually around 8- 10 minutes . You want it al dente .
2. Drain and rinse the orzo with cold water. No one likes a mushy salad.
3. Whisk together your vinaigrette in a small bowl.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo , olives, sun-dried tomatoes, pepper, red onion, feta, parsley, and mint.
5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. It lets the flavours meld.

Visual cues for doneness: The orzo should be firm to the bite, not mushy.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Salad Game

Want to make this salad really sing?

• Expert technique: Toast your orzo in a dry pan for a few minutes before boiling. It adds a nutty flavor.
• Common mistake to avoid: Overcooking the orzo. Seriously, it's the cardinal sin of pasta salad .
• Make-ahead: the Mediterranean Goodies and the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette can be pre-prepared a day or two in advance.

Okay, right then! let's brew up a good batch of for our mediterranean orzo salad potluck extravaganza. you know, mediterranean salad recipe is a banger.

This salad really shines as a potluck side dish and is one of those easy potluck recipes that people rave about.

It's also a make-ahead potluck salad , which is a lifesaver. plus, who doesn't love summer potluck ideas ? we're aiming for those crowd-pleasing salad recipes , innit? i've even heard it called an italian pasta salad with a twist.

Trust me, this potluck pasta recipe is a winner.

Right then, there you have it! My fool-proof Mediterranean Orzo Salad recipe. Perfect for any potluck . It's always a hit.

Right then, let's talk recipe notes for this mediterranean orzo salad . honestly, these bits are super important because they can make or break your potluck experience.

Okay, right then! let's get into it.

Plating Perfection: Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, yeah? this salad looks amazing piled high in a colourful bowl. garnish with extra feta and a sprig of mint.

Boom! fancy. serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. mediterranean salad recipe loves a bit of grilled halloumi too, just saying.

Or even better, serve with warm pita bread and hummus. makes a smashing lunch alongside. we love simple potluck side dishes ideas.

Sorted Storage: Storage Tips

Refrigeration is key! this pasta salad for potluck keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. just make sure it's in an airtight container.

Freezing? not recommended, mate. the orzo gets a bit weird. reheating instructions , if you need to? just let it come to room temperature a bit.

Easy potluck recipes are meant to be easy, after all. the fresher ingredients do not freeze well!

Switching it Up: Variations

Want to mix it up a bit? no worries! for a veggie option, just ditch the feta or use a vegan alternative.

Swap the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers in winter, seasonal ingredient swaps are brill! it is the most amazing summer potluck ideas ! this is the crowd pleasing salad recipes .

The salad is truly a hit at italian pasta salad

Nibbling Numbers: Nutrition Basics

Each serving clocks in around 350 calories. it's packed with protein from the feta and fibre from the veggies. simplified nutrition information is always handy.

This potluck pasta recipes is a good source of healthy fats from the olive oil, too. key health benefits? hello antioxidants from the olives and tomatoes! it has so many!

So there you have it, make ahead potluck salad greatness. with all the potluck ideas , get creative and make this salad your own.

You got this! mediterranean salad recipe is also great for just dinner on a weeknight.