Description
Homemade Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta and Sun Dried Tomatoes is a delightful and colorful dish perfect for any occasion. This vibrant salad combines the tender texture of orzo pasta with the tangy richness of feta cheese and the intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, making it not just delicious but also a nutritious option for potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners. Quickly prepared in just 20 minutes, this salad can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for enhanced flavors. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 qt water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 lb orzo
- 1/2 lb kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 12 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and diced
- 1 cup spinach, sliced thin
- 3 tbsp fresh basil, thinly cut
- 3 tbsp fresh mint, thin strips
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, ground
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest from 1 lemon, grated
- 1/3 lb feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to the boiling water.
- Stir in 1 pound of orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the orzo cooks, chop your vegetables.
- Dice 12 ounces of sun-dried tomatoes, slice 1 cup of spinach thinly, chop 1/2 cup of red onion, and prepare your herbs.
- Drain the cooked orzo in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo with kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, red onion, basil, mint, black pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss everything gently until well mixed.
- Taste your salad and adjust seasoning if necessary with additional salt or pepper.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg