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Perfect Orzo Pasta Salad With Feta And Sun Dried Tomatoes


  • Author: Sally Roberts
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Perfect Orzo Pasta Salad With Feta And Sun Dried Tomatoes is a bright, fresh, and easy recipe made with tender orzo, creamy feta, bold sun dried tomatoes, olives, herbs, and a lemony dressing. It is perfect for quick lunch prep, easy dinner ideas, healthy snack-style sides, summer food ideas, potlucks, and simple Mediterranean-inspired meals.


Ingredients

1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

3/4 cup chopped oil-packed sun dried tomatoes

1/2 cup sliced Kalamata olives

2 cups chopped fresh spinach or arugula

1 cup diced cucumber

1/4 cup finely diced red onion

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 garlic clove minced

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente according to the package directions.

2. Drain the orzo, rinse briefly with cool water, and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

3. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

4. Pour two-thirds of the dressing over the warm orzo and toss well. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

5. Add sun dried tomatoes, olives, spinach or arugula, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and basil. Toss gently to combine.

6. Fold in the crumbled feta cheese, then taste and adjust with more dressing, lemon juice, salt, or pepper.

7. Chill for 20 to 30 minutes before serving, or serve at room temperature with an extra drizzle of olive oil if needed.

Notes

Use oil-packed sun dried tomatoes for the best texture and flavor. A spoonful of the tomato oil can be added to the dressing for extra richness.

Cook the orzo just until al dente so it stays tender but does not become mushy after mixing with the dressing.

If making the salad ahead, save a little dressing or add a fresh squeeze of lemon before serving to refresh the pasta.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiled and Tossed
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 286
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 548 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 22 mg

Keywords: orzo pasta salad, feta orzo salad, sun dried tomato pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, easy recipe, quick lunch prep, healthy snack, dinner ideas, food ideas