Mediterranean Orzo Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
209 kcal
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Course
Salad
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Greek
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Description
Orzo is cooked until tender and cooled before mixing with chopped marinated artichoke hearts, diced cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, Kalmatta olives, crumbled feta, and diced red onion. Greek dressing, combined with some reserved marinade from artichokes, dresses the salad to infuse Mediterranean flavors and give acidity and olive oil richness.
The salad should be refrigerated for at least two hours to let the flavors meld, and the orzo absorbs some dressing, intensifying the taste. It serves well as a side dish or a light meal, especially suited for warm weather given its bright, fresh ingredients and cooling textures.
A homemade dressing option blends olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, oregano, and garlic powder, providing a balanced, zesty flavor that complements the salad ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups orzo uncooked
- 6 ounces artichoke hearts juices reserved, marinated
- ½ English cucumber diced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
- ½ cup kalamata olives sliced and pitted
- ⅓ cup feta cheese crumbled
- ⅓ cup red onion diced
- ½ cup Greek dressing or to taste
- parsley for garnish, chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Cook orzo in salted water according to package directions.
- Drain artichoke hearts reserving liquid for the dressing. Chop artichokes and slice remaining vegetables.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of the artichoke marinade with Greek dressing. Toss with remaining ingredients (or make the homemade dressing recipe below).
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Dress the salad generously as the orzo will absorb the dressing.
- A homemade dressing can be made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, oregano, and garlic powder for enhanced flavor.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to combine.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 209 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 209 | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 10mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 318mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 232mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 575IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 53mg | 5% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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