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A cozy kitchen scene highlighting uncooked orzo and pasta in glass jars, inviting a comparison of their nutritional benefits

Creamy Orzo Salad with Vegetables

This creamy orzo salad combines tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta cheese in a refreshing lemon-garlic dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish, it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and customizable with your favorite ingredients. Ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or family dinners, this recipe highlights the versatility of orzo pasta. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a deliciously satisfying dish!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for cooking orzo)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Instructions:

  1. Cook Orzo:

    • Bring the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
    • Add the orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain any excess liquid and let it cool.
  2. Prepare Vegetables:

    • Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion.
  3. Combine Ingredients:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, vegetables, and feta cheese.
  4. Make the Dressing:

    • Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  5. Toss and Garnish:

    • Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss until evenly coated.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley.
  6. Chill and Serve:

    • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Preparation Tips:

  • Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
  • Add protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp for a complete meal.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn.
  • Author: [email protected]
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
  • Method: Stove-Top, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
  • Calories: ~250 kcal
  • Sugar: ~2 g
  • Sodium: ~300 mg
  • Fat: ~8 g
  • Saturated Fat: Saturated Fat: ~3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~35 g
  • Fiber: ~2 g
  • Protein: ~8 g
  • Cholesterol: ~15 mg

Keywords: Orzo, Orzo vs Pasta, Mediterranean Recipe, Gluten-Free Orzo, Easy Orzo Recipe, Healthy Orzo Dish