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Greek Pasta Salad with Orzo, Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe

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4.3 from 89 reviews

This Greek Pasta Salad with Orzo is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for a light lunch or side at summer gatherings. Combining tender orzo pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, and a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing, it’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors and fresh herbs like dill and parsley.

Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 1 cup dry orzo
  • 600 g cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 1 red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cucumbers, peeled and cut into small dice
  • 1/2 cup pitted black olives, cut in half
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed

Cheese

  • 1/2 block feta, around 100 g

Herbs

  • 1 small bunch fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 small bunch parsley, chopped

Dressing

  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo is cooking, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, finely chop the red onion, peel and dice the cucumbers, crush the garlic cloves, and halve the black olives. Chop the fresh dill and parsley as well.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and red wine vinegar until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, garlic, olives, chopped herbs, and crumbled feta cheese.
  5. Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well coated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a flavorful side or light main dish.

Notes

  • This salad can be made a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
  • For a vegan version, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it entirely.
  • Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and onion according to your preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for added brightness if desired.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/greek-pasta-salad-with-orzo-cherry-tomatoes-feta-and-fresh-herbs-recipe/