Greek Style Warm Orzo Salad (Printable Version)

Enjoy vibrant orzo, veggies, feta, and lemony dressing served warm for satisfying Mediterranean flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking orzo)
03 - Salt, for pasta water

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 medium cucumber, diced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
09 - 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped

→ Cheese & Herbs

10 - 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried oregano

→ Dressing

13 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
17 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
18 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain thoroughly, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and set aside, maintaining warmth.
02 - While the orzo cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, slice the red onion thinly, and halve the Kalamata olives. Roughly chop the baby spinach.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is emulsified.
04 - In a large salad bowl, place the warm orzo, prepped vegetables, Kalamata olives, and spinach. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until all components are evenly coated.
05 - Add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and oregano to the mixture. Gently fold everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
06 - Serve immediately while warm, or allow the salad to come to room temperature before serving, based on preference.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Quick to prepare so you can have dinner on the table in just over half an hour
  • Packed with wholesome Mediterranean ingredients for bold flavor
  • Versatile enough for lunch or as a hearty side at dinner
  • Vegetarian and naturally high in nutrients
  • Tastes even better warm but holds up well for leftovers
02 -
  • High in protein and fiber from vegetables and orzo
  • Naturally vegetarian with simple gluten free swaps if needed
  • Meal prep friendly since it keeps well for a day or two
03 -
  • Always taste your dressing before adding to the salad and tweak the lemon or salt
  • Use high quality olives and cheese for an authentic Mediterranean flavor
  • Cut the vegetables just before assembling so they keep their snap
  • Do not overcook the orzo or the salad will lose its appeal
  • Warm the bowl before tossing everything so the cheese starts to melt into the pasta for extra creaminess

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