Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad, a vegetarian side dish full of fresh flavors and zest, is an easy recipe.
The kids and I have been watching Luca repeatedly, and I am letting the Italian Riveria settings of the movie take me AWAY. Is it strange that animated pasta makes me drool?
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Mediterranean Orzo Salad, a vegetarian side dish full of fresh flavors and zest, is an easy recipe.
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The kids and I have been watching Luca repeatedly, and I am letting the Italian Riveria settings of the movie take me AWAY. Is it strange that animated pasta makes me drool?
Answer that question.
The seaside village in the story reminds me of the town Ben stayed at during our Amalfi coast adventure 14 years ago. It has ancient stone steps, crashing coastlines, and figs, lemons, and olives dripping with fruit. Ben was almost hit in the head with a lemon that fell from a tree outside our hotel.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad: Inspired by the memory of Italy (not the head injury), I created this beautiful side dish full of Mediterranean flavors.
This easy but memorable recipe for orzo is packed with fresh flavors, including tomatoes, feta, capers, and fresh parsley. It’s dressed in a zesty Lemon Dressing. This dish is excellent served warm or chilled and can be taken to a potluck, cookout, or party. It’s so delicious I recommend doubling the recipe. It’s simple yet unique. Let’s get started!
How to make Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Start by boiling Gluten-free orzo until it is al dente. Drain and let cool.
Orzo, a pasta resembling rice, is excellent for soups and other side dishes. I have not found gluten-free orzo at the grocery store, so I ordered mine online.
Add all the Mediterranean-inspired toppings to a mixing bowl while the pasta is cooking. We’ve got the following:
- Cherry or grape tomatoes
- Kalamata olives
- Capers
- Crumbled Feta cheese
- Chopped parsley
Shake up the lemon dressing to dress the orzo. Add fresh lime juice, honey, extra virgin oil, pepper, and salt to a mason jar with a tightly fitting lid. Shake well.
Add the orzo slightly cooled to the bowl, then drizzle enough dressing to cover and mix. Orzo salad is delicious when eaten warm. It’s best to put it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes so the flavors can meld.
She wrote that! This simple pasta salad is not only gorgeous but also delicious! You’ll love it! Enjoy, enjoy!
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Ingredients
Serves 4-6 as a side
- 6oz dry gluten-free or regular orzo pasta
- Half a cup of grape or cherry tomatoes
- Half a cup of crumbled Feta cheese
- 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
- Parsley, 1/4 cup
- Capers gluten-free, 2 Tablespoons drained
- Lemon Dressing
- Extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- Honey 1 teaspoon
- Microplane or finely mince one clove of garlic
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Drain the pasta and allow it to cool down.
- Combine all ingredients in a mason jar lid to make the Lemon Dressing with a tight fit. Shake to mix. Add the lemon juice, garlic, honey, and salt to a food processor, then slowly drizzle in olive oil. Set aside.
- Add the slightly cooled pasta, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, capers, parsley, and capers to a large bowl. Pour enough dressing on the pasta to cover it, then combine. Add additional sauce to taste if you wish. Let salads chill for 10-15 minutes.
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NOTES
- This recipe was last updated on 6/25/21. This recipe was updated on 6/25/21. The original version called for 1-1/2 cups of grape or cherry tomato. Feel free to increase the amount to suit your taste.
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