Vegetarian Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
Colorful mix of orzo pasta, veggies, feta, and herbs!
Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with our Vegetarian Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad recipe! This refreshing and healthy salad combines the creaminess of feta cheese, the tanginess of Kalamata olives, and the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, all tied together with a zesty lemon-herb dressing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the orzo pasta until it’s just right, following the instructions on the box.
2. When it’s done, rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
3. Then, leave it to chill.
4. In a big bowl, mix together the cooled orzo pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, baby spinach leaves, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
5. In a smaller bowl, whisk up the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until it’s all blended together nicely.
6. Pour that dressing you made over the pasta salad in the big bowl, and gently mix everything up so it’s all coated in that tasty dressing.
7. Give it a taste and see if it needs a little more salt or pepper.
8. Stick the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so all the flavors can get to know each other.
9. Just before serving, give it one more toss and add some extra parsley on top if you want.
10. If you’re feeling fancy, throw in some lemon wedges on the side.
11. Serve it up as a side dish or even as a light meal all on its own.
Enjoy your Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad!
Tips and Variations
1. Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh and flavorful ingredients make a big difference in the taste and texture of the salad.
2. Customize with your favorite vegetables: Add some sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots to suit your taste.
3. Experiment with different cheeses: Try using goat cheese, ricotta cheese, or Parmesan cheese instead of feta.
4. Make it a meal: Add some cooked chickpeas, grilled chicken, or salmon for a more substantial meal.
5. Prepare ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 15g
– Fat: 20g
– Saturated Fat: 5g
– Cholesterol: 20mg
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fiber: 4g
– Sugar: 5g
– Sodium: 350mg