Ingredients
Orzo and Dressing
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly minced parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced mint leaves (optional)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 slicer tomatoes (seeds removed and diced)
- 1 English cucumber (seeds removed and diced)
- 1 red onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (seeds removed and diced)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and season generously with salt. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions to achieve an al dente texture. Drain the orzo and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing: While the orzo is cooking, in a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly minced parsley, lemon juice, optional mint leaves, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and red bell pepper to the dressing. Gently toss to coat the vegetables evenly with the lemon and olive oil dressing.
- Mix Orzo and Feta: Once the orzo has cooled, add it to the bowl along with the crumbled feta cheese. Gently mix everything together to combine without breaking up the feta too much.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra freshly chopped parsley, additional crumbled feta, and lemon wedges if desired for an added pop of freshness.
Notes
- Cooking orzo slightly less than package instructions ensures it remains firm and not mushy when mixed.
- The optional fresh mint adds a refreshing herbaceous note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered in the fridge.
- To make it vegan, omit the feta and substitute with a vegan cheese or extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
