Description
A refreshing orzo pasta salad with feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, perfect for gatherings or easy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 qt water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 lb orzo
- 1/2 lb kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 12 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and diced
- 1 cup spinach, sliced thin
- 3 tbsp fresh basil, thinly cut
- 3 tbsp fresh mint, thin strips
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, ground
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest from 1 lemon, grated
- 1/3 lb feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Bring the water to boil: In a large pot, bring 2 qt of water to a rolling boil. Add 1/2 tsp of salt to enhance the flavor of the orzo.
- Cook the orzo: Carefully add 1 lb of orzo to the boiling water. Stir gently and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain and rinse: Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps your orzo perfectly tender.
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kalamata olives, red onion, and diced sun-dried tomatoes. Add the thinly sliced spinach for a fresh crunch.
- Mix in fresh herbs: Toss in the fresh basil and mint for a delightful aroma.
- Dress it up: In a small bowl, whisk together the black pepper, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. Pour this dressing over the vegetable mixture.
- Combine with orzo: Add the cooled orzo to the bowl and mix everything until well coated. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, letting its creaminess spread throughout.
- Chill: Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld, then serve and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
Notes
This salad can be made a day in advance and tastes even better as the flavors blend together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg