Mediterranean Orzo Delight
Mediterranean Orzo Delight
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself craving something fresh and vibrant? I have! This pasta salad recipe is a burst of sunshine. The zesty lemon dressing and salty feta make it utterly irresistible.
Brief Overview
The Mediterranean pasta salad recipe hails from the sun-kissed shores. It's a simple dish. Expect to spend around 30 minutes.
This recipe yields 6 servings. Perfect for a light lunch or a summer gathering. It’s definitely an easy orzo pasta salad .
Main Benefits
This vegetarian pasta salad recipe is packed with nutrients. It’s a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. I think it’s perfect pasta salad to serve at a picnic pasta salad recipe .
This is my take on the Best Homemade Pasta Salad .
Why This Pasta Salad Is The Bee's Knees
Honestly, I've tried a bunch of refreshing pasta salad recipes , but this one is different. The key? Using good quality extra virgin olive oil. Don't skimp. It makes a massive difference.
The best part? It’s super versatile. You can add grilled veggies or protein to make it a complete meal. I once added grilled halloumi and it was divine.
You can consider this one of the best cold salad recipes you will ever make
Ingredients: Your Mediterranean Dream Team
Alright, let’s gather our bits. You'll need: 450g orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta, parsley, basil.
For the dressing: olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper. Easy peasy.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Right then, let's talk grub. This pasta salad recipe is super easy. I promise! It's the kind of dish that screams summer, or a perfect pasta salad for a cheeky picnic pasta salad recipes vibe.
Main Ingredients
Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. Here's the lowdown:
- Orzo Pasta: 1 pound ( 450g ). Go for good quality pasta, you know? It makes a difference.
- Water: 8 cups ( 2 liters ) for boiling the pasta.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) for the pasta water and 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ) for the dressing. Extra virgin, yeah?
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup ( 150g ), halved. The sweeter, the better!
- Cucumber: 1 cup ( 150g ), diced. Make sure you peel and seed it first.
- Red Onion: 1/2 cup ( 75g ), finely chopped.
- Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup ( 80g ), pitted and halved.
- Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup ( 50g ), crumbled. Proper Greek feta is the best cold salad recipes .
- Fresh Parsley & Basil: 1/4 cup ( 15g ) each, chopped.
- Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons ( 45 ml ), freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff just isn't the same, tbh.
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon ( 5g ).
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5g ), or to taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25g ), or to taste.
Seasoning Notes
Oregano is KEY for that Mediterranean pasta salad recipe flavour. Don't skip it! Lemon juice brightens everything up. Taste as you go and add more if needed.
You can swap red wine vinegar for white wine vinegar if you're in a pinch. It will make this easy orzo pasta salad sing!
Equipment Needed
Nothing fancy, I promise!
- Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing everything together.
- Whisk: For the dressing. A fork works too, honestly.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping veggies. A decent knife is a game changer!
And that's it! Now you're all set to create this refreshing pasta salad recipes . It's the best homemade pasta salad , a total winner.
You could even call it a vegetarian pasta salad recipe if you are into these things.
Cooking Method: Nailing the Perfect Pasta Salad
Right, let's talk pasta salad recipe . Seriously, who doesn't love a summer pasta salad ? It's my go-to for barbecues and potlucks.
I'm going to show you how to make a Mediterranean pasta salad recipe that's way better than anything you'll find at the shop.
My Best Homemade Pasta Salad always disappears first!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
Honestly, getting organised is key. Chop all your veggies before you even think about boiling water. Halve your cherry tomatoes, dice your cucumber, and finely chop your red onion.
Measure out your olive oil and lemon juice too. This way, you won't be scrambling about when your pasta's cooked.
Step-by-Step: Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Style
- Cook 1 pound (450g) of orzo pasta in boiling, salted water. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil and 1 teaspoon (5g) salt to the water.
- Follow the packet instructions for al dente. We want a bit of bite!
- Drain your pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops it cooking.
- In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil, 3 tablespoons (45 ml) lemon juice, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) red wine vinegar, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) black pepper.
- Toss cooked pasta with 1 cup (150g) halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup (150g) diced cucumber, 1/2 cup (75g) chopped red onion, 1/2 cup (80g) halved Kalamata olives, 1/2 cup (50g) feta, 1/4 cup (15g) parsley, and 1/4 cup (15g) basil.
- Pour the dressing and gently toss to combine.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes. Flavours need time to mingle.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Salad Success
Don't overcook your pasta! Mushy pasta is a major no-no. When choosing a Vegetarian pasta salad recipe , this one is a winner.
Adding feta last prevents it crumbling. Taste and adjust your dressing. More lemon? Go for it! Prep your ingredients in advance.
It makes life easier. You can even make the dressing the night before. Also, it is good to consider your Picnic pasta salad recipes and make sure that the ingredients are very fresh.
This refreshing pasta salad recipe is so versatile. I've even added grilled chicken or chickpeas. Just a thought!. It's a cracking addition to any spread.
Honestly, this is the best cold salad recipe and I am sure it will be your perfect pasta salad too.
This would work really well as an Easy orzo pasta salad .
Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Pasta Salad
This Mediterranean pasta salad recipe is more than just food. It's sunshine in a bowl! Seriously, it reminds me of holidays.
It is easy to throw together the Best Homemade Pasta Salad and perfect for any occasion. Whether its a BBQ or just a quick lunch, lets talk notes to make it even better.
Serving It Up!
Presentation matters, doesn't it? For a garden party, I like to serve this perfect pasta salad in a big, rustic bowl.
You know, that farmhouse chic vibe. Garnish with extra fresh basil or a lemon wedge. If it is a picnic Picnic pasta salad recipes , individual mason jars are super cute and practical.
A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio is a great accompaniment. Honestly, a bit of crusty bread for mopping up the dressing is a must.
Storage Savvy
Got leftovers? No worries. Pop the summer pasta salad into an airtight container. It will happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezing isn't ideal. It can make the pasta a bit mushy. To reheat, just give it a good stir. The flavours actually get better overnight!
Remixing the Recipe
Fancy a change? Go ahead. For a Vegetarian pasta salad recipe , simply leave out any meat. Want a dairy free version? Just skip the feta or use a plant based alternative.
For seasonal swaps, use sun-dried tomatoes in autumn. Spring calls for fresh asparagus. Easy orzo pasta salad so you are able to use most common season ingredients.
Nutrition Nuggets
Each serving of this refreshing pasta salad recipes is around 450 calories. It is packed with protein (15g) from the feta.
It also has healthy fats (25g) from the olive oil, and carbs (45g) for energy. It's a great source of fiber too.
At 4g, it helps keep you feeling full.
Honestly, give this pasta salad recipe easy a try. It's my go-to for a reason. The best cold salad recipes are so easy to customize.
Have fun with it, and make it your own. This Mediterranean pasta salad recipe will bring sunshine and joy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this Mediterranean orzo pasta salad tastes even better after it's had a chance to chill in the fridge for a few hours. The flavors really meld together. Just give it a good toss before serving, and maybe add a splash of extra virgin olive oil if it seems a bit dry.
What's the best way to store leftover pasta salad? Will it get soggy?
Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To prevent it from getting soggy, try not to dress the entire batch if you know you'll have leftovers. Dress only what you plan to eat immediately, and keep the remaining dressing separate.
That way, each serving is as fresh as a daisy!
I'm not a fan of feta. What's a good substitute in this pasta salad recipe?
No worries, mate! If feta isn't your cup of tea, try using goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor, or halloumi for a saltier, squeakier bite. You could even use mozzarella balls for a milder, creamier alternative that the kids will adore. Don't be afraid to experiment!
What other veggies can I add to this Mediterranean orzo pasta salad recipe?
The possibilities are endless! Grilled zucchini or bell peppers would add a lovely smoky flavour, artichoke hearts bring a touch of elegance, and sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated burst of Mediterranean sunshine.
Think of it as your chance to get creative within reason of course; nobody wants a salad overloaded with sprouts.
Can I add protein to this pasta salad to make it a full meal?
Spot on! Adding protein is a great way to turn this side dish into a satisfying main course. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or canned tuna are all easy and delicious options. For a vegetarian or vegan boost, toss in some chickpeas or white beans.
Just be sure to adjust the dressing accordingly if you add a lot of protein, as it might need a bit more oomph!
How can I make this pasta salad recipe vegan?
It's simpler than you think! Just omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant based feta alternative which is now pretty widely available in most supermarkets. Double check that your ingredients, particularly the red wine vinegar, are vegan friendly as well.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a nice touch of sweetness and depth.
