Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

This Greek orzo pasta salad is a delicious and easy to make dish, perfect for a summer BBQ or potluck. It is packed with flavour from the feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs, and can be easily customized to your liking. The salad can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a great make-ahead dish. It is also vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method

1. Cook the orzo according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, red onion, parsley, mint, and basil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the orzo salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Potential Changes & Improvements

There are many ways you can change up this Greek orzo pasta salad to suit your taste. Some potential additions or substitutions include:

• Substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or vegan cheese.
• Add in some chopped cucumber or tomatoes.
• Use a different type of pasta, such as rotini or shells.
• Add in some chopped grilled chicken or shrimp.

What Other Food It Works Well With

This Greek orzo pasta salad pairs well with grilled meats or vegetables, as well as other salads. It also makes a great side dish for a picnic or potluck.

Common Mistakes

When making this Greek orzo pasta salad, be sure to:

• Cook the orzo al dente according to package instructions. Overcooked orzo will become mushy and will not hold up as well in the salad.
• Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
• If making ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Nutritional Information

This Greek orzo pasta salad is relatively low in calories and is a good source of protein and fiber. It is also gluten-free, if you use gluten-free orzo pasta.

Allergens:

• Feta cheese (contains milk)
• Kalamata olives (contains pits)