Description
Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and delicious dish combining tender orzo pasta with crisp vegetables, briny olives, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, this salad is quick to prepare, nutritious, and easily customizable to your preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based feta, crumbled
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (natural)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (natural)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Boil the orzo pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep the orzo tender and non-sticky.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, and thinly slice the red onion to add freshness and crunch to the salad.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), extra virgin olive oil (natural), minced garlic (natural), dried oregano (natural), salt, and black pepper (natural) until well combined and aromatic.
- Combine Everything: In a large bowl, toss the cooked and cooled orzo with the chopped vegetables, fresh parsley, and the dressing. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add the Feta (Plant-Based): Fold in the crumbled plant-based feta cheese to add creamy, tangy richness and a delightful texture contrast to the salad.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness in the salad.
- Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving to enhance flavors.
- Use fresh parsley for the best herbal brightness.
- Adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar (natural) to your preferred acidity level.
- Add cucumber just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Mediterranean, Orzo, Pasta Salad, Plant-Based Feta, Healthy Salad, Quick Salad, Gluten Free
