Orzo Salad with Tomatoes and Feta: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe for Summer

Summer is the perfect time to indulge in fresh, healthy and delicious salads that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. One of the best summer salads to try is the orzo salad with tomatoes and feta, which is not only tasty but also nutritious. This article will give you a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious and healthy salad, and why it’s the perfect dish for your summer meals.

Perfect side dish – Greek orzo with tomatoes and feta

I love making side dishes that go with anything! This Greek orzo will make a delicious pairing with your favorite proteins, such as grilled, baked, or pan-seared meats (chicken, pork, lamb, steak) or seafood (salmon, shrimp, scallops). Pair it with cilantro-lime honey salmon, garlic butter shrimp, or cajun chicken.  You can also serve Greek orzo on its own – it makes a fantastic meatless main course. Everything is cooked in one pan in under 30 minutes – a perfect weeknight choice for busy people and families. This easy Mediterranean-style side dish also makes a beautiful presentation, and you can make it for special occasions when you have company over or guests.

How to make Greek orzo

How to cook the orzo. First, you will cook orzo together with chicken stock (or vegetable stock, or water). Usually, the orzo is cooked in 1:2 proportion, for example, 1 cup of orzo in 2 cups of water, or 1.5 cups of orzo in 3 cups of water. Cook according to package instructions, which usually means 10 minutes. You might have to add a small amount of liquid (if the orzo is too dry) and check on your orzo 5 minutes into the cooking, to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the skillet.

fufu recipe

What kind of pan to use? Because orzo is so small, you can cook it pretty much in any kind of cooking pan. I cooked it in a large cast iron skillet, and then added the rest of the ingredients into the same skillet, making it a one-pan meal.

• Best add-ins for Greek orzo. After the orzo is cooked, add sliced cherry tomatoes (I recommend multi-colored, red, and yellow), sliced sun-dried tomatoes, sliced kalamata and green olives, and most of crumbled (or cubed) feta cheese.

• Best seasonings for orzo. After the orzo is cooked, add freshly squeezed lime juice, and a couple of tablespoons of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to the orzo. You can also use butter, but because it’s Greek orzo, I definitely recommend using high-quality, extra virgin olive oil – this recipe is a perfect use for it!  Season with a small amount of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

• Reheat everything on low heat until all the ingredients are heated through to your liking. Season with salt and pepper. When you are ready to serve, simply top Greek orzo with a small amount of crumbled feta and chopped fresh basil.

A note about salt. Because this recipe uses lots of salty ingredients (such as olives and feta cheese), season it with salt at the very end, and don’t overdo it.

greek orzo salad recipe

3. The Health Benefits of Orzo

Orzo is a healthy ingredient that is rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. It’s also low in fat and calories, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy weight. Orzo is also a good source of B vitamins, iron, and zinc, which are essential for maintaining good health.

4. Why Orzo Salad with Tomatoes and Feta is a Perfect Summer Dish

Orzo salad with tomatoes and feta is a perfect summer dish for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a cold dish, which means it’s refreshing and perfect for hot summer days. Secondly, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance, which makes it perfect for picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor events. Finally, it’s a healthy dish that is packed with nutrients and flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Orzo Salad with Tomatoes and Feta

Cook the orzo until it’s al dente, not overcooked.

Rinse the orzo with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

Add the dressing to the salad while the orzo is still warm to help the flavors meld together.

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop

Greek Orzo with Tomatoes, Feta, Olives, and Fresh Basil is a delicious meatless meal that a whole family will love! This quick and easy side dish pairs well with any main course, and it comes together in under 30 minutes, using only one pan. Try this Mediterranean recipe, and it might become one of your new favorites.

Preparation Time

Preparation time for orzo salad with tomatoes and feta is approximately 20 minutes.

Storage Tips

Fridge. Greek orzo keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days! What’s not to love?! Keep it in an airtight container, of course.

Freezer. Freeze this dish for up to 2 months.

How to reheat

Stove-top. Reheat over low-medium heat in any kind of appropriately sized cooking pan. Add a small amount of olive oil when reheating, and stir often.

Microwave oven. Reheat Greek orzo in a deep, high-sided microwave-safe dish (bowl) for about 30 seconds. Remove from the microwave oven, stir everything well. Return to the oven and reheat for 30 more seconds or more, until heated through.

Can you freeze it?

Yes, the Greek orzo freezes really well since it doesn’t have any cream. It’s a perfect recipe for your weekly or monthly meal prep! While this meal can be frozen with tomatoes in it, you can also freeze it without the fresh tomatoes, and add them only when serving.

Substitutions and variations

Pasta. You can make this recipe with any other kind of short-cut pasta, such as bow-tie (farfalle), spiral pasta (fusilli), penne, or rigatoni.

Rice. You can easily make this recipe with rice instead of orzo. After all, orzo is shaped very similarly to rice! I recommend jasmine rice, basmati rice, any long-grain rice, or Arborio rice.

Lime or lemon will work great. Freshly squeezed juice is always the best!

Veggies. My favorite veggies for Greek orzo are chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, zucchini, arugula, and spinach.

Cheese. You can use grated Parmesan, Asiago, or Mozzarella cheese instead of or in addition to Feta cheese.

FAQs

Can I make orzo salad with tomatoes and feta ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it up to 24 hours ahead of time. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

Can I substitute the cherry tomatoes with other types of tomatoes?

Yes, you can use any type of tomatoes you like. Just make sure they’re ripe and flavorful.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can use any type of crumbled cheese you like. Goat cheese or blue cheese would work well.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Yes, you can add any vegetables you like. Chopped cucumber, sliced bell peppers, or diced red onion would be great additions.

Is orzo salad with tomatoes and feta a healthy dish?

Yes, it’s a healthy dish that is low in fat and calories, and high in complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein.

What to serve with it

Arugula Salad with Pears, Apples, Cashews, and homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette

Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Zest, Parmesan, and Pine Nuts

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Other orzo recipes you might enjoy

Creamy Shrimp Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

Italian Sausage Orzo Soup with Spinach and Portobello Mushrooms

Creamy Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach

Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach

Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo with Sausage

Conclusion

Orzo salad with tomatoes and feta is a delicious and healthy summer dish that is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor. Follow the instructions and tips in this article to make the perfect orzo salad with tomatoes and feta, and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.