Best Mediterranean Style Orzo Pasta Salad Recipes

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MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD



Mediterranean Orzo Salad image

You'll love this easy orzo salad loaded with chopped veggies, fresh herbs and other Mediterranean favorites. Tossed in a bold lemony dressing. For the best flavor, dress the Mediterranean orzo salad while the orzo is still a little warm. Pasta that hasn't cooled completely will drink up the dressing really well. And allow the salad to sit for at least a few minutes (or up to an hour in the fridge) for the flavors to meld before serving.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Salad

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 ½ cup dry orzo pasta
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, (halved)
2 green onions, (trimmed and chopped (both white and green parts))
½ green bell pepper, (seeds removed, chopped)
1 cup packed chopped fresh parsley, (about 1 ½ ounces)
½ cup packed chopped fresh dill, (about 0.5 ounces)
¼ cup sliced pitted kalamata olives, (about 1 ounce)
2 teaspoons capers
Feta cheese, (to your liking)
1 lemon, (zested and juiced)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, (minced)
1 teaspoon oregano

Steps:

  • Cook the orzo pasta according package instructions (mine took about 8 minutes). Drain and cool briefly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the grape tomatoes, green onions, bell peppers, parsley, dill, olives and capers (hold the feta for now). Add the orzo pasta.
  • Make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano and a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined and the orzo pasta is well coated with the dressing.
  • Top with pieces of creamy feta cheese. Cover and refrigerate for a bit before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 111.1 kcal, Carbohydrate 6.9 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Cholesterol 0.4 mg, Sodium 39.4 mg, Fiber 2.3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

GREEK ORZO SALAD



Greek Orzo Salad image

Tart and refreshing, this side salad is a big hit at Judy Roberts' Las Vegas, Nevada home. With all the tasty toppings-including red onion, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese and a zesty dressing-you'd never know it has just 7 grams of fat. "Tiny pasta called orzo gives it extra interest," Judy notes.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
6 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
12 pitted ripe or Greek olives, halved
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • Cook orzo according to package directions; drain. In a large serving bowl, toss orzo with 2 teaspoons oil. , In another bowl, combine the onion, parsley, vinegar, oregano, salt, sugar, pepper and remaining oil; pour over orzo and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2-24 hours. Just before serving, gently stir in tomatoes, cucumber, olives and cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 120 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 498mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD



Mediterranean Orzo Salad image

This light and refreshing cold pasta salad is loaded with the flavors of the Mediterranean, and pairs well with grilled proteins, such as fish, pork, chicken or steak. If you make this in advance, reserve a bit of the dressing to add right before serving, as the pasta has a tendency to soak up the dressing as it sits over time.

Provided by Kim's Cooking Now

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

½ (16 ounce) package uncooked orzo pasta
½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup diced red onion
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup pitted Mediterranean olives, cut in half
1 cup finely diced Asiago cheese
1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh garlic
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup red wine vinegar
½ lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain well. Rinse with cold water and drain well again.
  • Combine orzo, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, and Asiago cheese in a large bowl.
  • Whisk garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette. Drizzle over the orzo mixture and toss lightly to combine. Add basil and parsley and mix well. Let sit for 20 minutes for flavors to blend, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418.2 calories, Carbohydrate 34.7 g, Cholesterol 16.1 mg, Fat 27 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 10.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 819 mg, Sugar 2.6 g

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