Description
Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta is a colorful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to casual lunches. This vibrant salad features al dente orzo pasta tossed with an array of fresh vegetables and creamy feta cheese, all brought together by a zesty dressing. It’s not only packed with flavor but also a healthy choice, aligning well with Mediterranean dietary principles. The best part? This salad can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on busy days. Enjoy it as a side, a light meal, or as part of your weekly meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 4 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 red onion (chopped)
- 2 ears grilled corn (cut off the cob)
- 1 English cucumber (sliced and quartered)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives (halved)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red apple vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 TBS each fresh dill parsley, oregano (or 1 tsp each dried)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp each pepper, salt
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, sugar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl or jar. Refrigerate until ready.
- Cook the Orzo: In a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter and olive oil. Sauté the orzo and chopped onion for 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Simmer: Add chicken broth and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Simmer until the orzo is al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain excess liquid if needed.
- Combine: Transfer to a bowl to cool. Once cooled, mix in chopped vegetables and remaining ingredients.
- Dress: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg