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–+ servings
Orzo Pasta Salad

Vibrant Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This Orzo Pasta Salad is a colorful Mediterranean dish, featuring feta and sun-dried tomatoes and perfect for any meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 pound orzo pasta cooked al dente
  • 1 cup pitted and chopped kalamata olives
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion or substitute green onions
  • 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes opt for oil-packed or rehydrate dried ones
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or substitute with kale
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 fresh lemon juice
  • 1 fresh lemon zest
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese for a different flavor, substitute with goat cheese
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 cup grilled vegetables bell peppers or zucchini
  • 1 cup chickpeas for added protein

Equipment

  • Heavy saucepan
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Orzo Pasta Salad
  1. Boil 2 quarts of water in a heavy saucepan on high heat. Once boiling, add ½ teaspoon of salt.
    Orzo Pasta Salad
  2. Add 1 pound of orzo pasta, stirring gently and cooking for about 8-10 minutes until al dente.
    Orzo Pasta Salad
  3. Drain the orzo in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
    Orzo Pasta Salad
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained orzo, olives, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
    Orzo Pasta Salad
  5. Sprinkle in black pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and add lemon juice and zest before tossing gently.
    Orzo Pasta Salad
  6. Fold in crumbled feta cheese, ensuring not to break it down too much.
    Orzo Pasta Salad
  7. Cover or transfer to an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
    Orzo Pasta Salad
  8. After chilling, give the salad a gentle toss, adjust seasonings if necessary, and serve at room temperature.
    Orzo Pasta Salad

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, add fresh herbs and feta just before serving. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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