Greek Orzo Feta Olives (Printer View)

Orzo blends with feta, olives, tomatoes, and herbs for a bright, Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian dish. Easy and flavorful.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
02 - 1 teaspoon salt for boiling water

→ Vegetables & Herbs

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small cucumber, diced
05 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
06 - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
07 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)

→ Cheese

10 - 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

11 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
14 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Method steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
02 - Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
03 - Transfer the drained orzo to the mixing bowl with the dressing and gently toss until all grains are evenly coated.
04 - Fold in halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, chopped parsley, dill, and mint if using. Stir gently until evenly distributed.
05 - Add crumbled feta cheese and fold through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for a chilled presentation. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and feta, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect for busy weeknights thanks to a 30 minute prep
  • No fancy ingredients required just pantry friendly pasta and veggies
  • Keeps fresh and flavorful when served warm or chilled for picnics
  • Vegetarian and easily adaptable for different tastes
02 -
  • Packed with protein and calcium from feta
  • Naturally vegetarian and easily made gluten free with alternative pasta
  • Perfect make ahead option for parties and lunchboxes
03 -
  • Taste as you mix as feta and olives vary in saltiness
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest salad
  • Let it chill for half an hour for the best combination of flavors and textures

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