Greek Lemon Orzo Salad (Risoni)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Total Time
10 mins
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Servings
6 -8
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Calories
350 kcal
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Course
Salad
Greek Lemon Orzo Salad (Risoni)
Description
Greek Lemon Orzo Salad (Risoni) blends small pasta shapes called risoni or orzo with Mediterranean staples like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, black olives, red onion, and green bell pepper. The salad is dressed in a lemon vinaigrette featuring fresh lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and a touch of sugar and salt for balance. The ingredients are gently tossed together to marry the flavors while preserving the crispness of the vegetables.
The salad's flavor profile is bright and tangy with salty feta and olives adding savory notes, while the orzo provides a slightly chewy texture. The fresh vegetables contribute crunch and juiciness, making this salad refreshing and satisfying. It can be served as a light main dish for about three people or as a side for up to eight.
To vary the dressing, honey mustard, French vinaigrette, or Italian dressing can be used, with honey mustard adding a creamy indulgent note. For pairing, this salad complements grilled chicken dishes such as chicken gyros or souvlaki. Leftover dressing can be doubled to marinate thin strips of chicken for a quick meal. This salad offers versatility for Mediterranean-style meals with practical pairing and marinating tips.
Ingredients
- 1 cup / 200 g risoni pasta or orzo pasta
- 350 g / 12 oz cherry tomato halved (or 2 large tomatoes
- 2 cucumber diced, Lebanese or Persian variety
- 150 g / 5 oz feta cheese cut into 1/2cm/ 1/2" cubes, firm
- 1/4 - 1/2 red onion , cut into wedges and sliced thinly
- 1 green bell pepper cut into 3 cm / 2.25" strips (Note 1, aka green capsicum
- 150 g / 5 oz black olives seed in (adjust qty to taste, whole
- 1 1/2 tsp oregano dried
Dressing
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (or other mild mustard)
- 1 garlic minced, clove
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Place Dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Set aside for 10+ minutes.
- Cook orzo / risoni per packet directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop them cooking further. Drain well.
- Place orzo and remaining Salad ingredients in a bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat. Serve!
Notes
- This salad serves approximately 3 as a meal or 6-8 as a side dish.
- Green capsicum (bell pepper) is traditionally included and adds extra crunch and flavor.
- Your choice of dressing can vary; honey mustard dressing adds creaminess, while French vinaigrette or Italian dressings offer different flavor profiles.
- To save time, double the dressing to marinate thin strips of chicken, reducing marinating time to about 20 minutes before cooking.
- The salad pairs well with Greek-style dishes like chicken gyros or souvlaki for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6-8
Amount Per Serving
Calories 350 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 257g | |
| Calories | 350cal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 34.7g | 12% |
| Protein | 9.1g | 18% |
| Fat | 20.4g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 5.9g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 22mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 694mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 296mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3.4g | 14% |
| Sugar | 6.8g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 700IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 19mg | 21% |
| Calcium | 170mg | 17% |
| Iron | 2.7mg | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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