Greek Orzo- this delightful side dish is flavored with fresh dill, feta cheese, cucumber, tomato, and olives tossed in a fresh lemon vinaigrette.
What Is Orzo?
Orzo is a small rice-shaped pasta that is great served warm or chilled. It makes a wonderful base for a pasta salad.
How To Serve Greek Orzo
Makes a wonderful side dish for chicken, beef, or fish and a great side for burgers.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use couscous or quinoa in place or orzo.
- Add fresh mint or parsley.
- Add garbanzo beans.
- Use any other shape of pasta. Rotini, cavatappi, and penne work well.
- Add pepperoncini peppers for a little kick.
- Diced red bell pepper or roasted red peppers are another great addition.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t forget to salt the water when cooking the orzo.
- Cook the pasta to al dente or just a little past. You don’t want to overcook it because it will get mushy in texture when it soaks up some of the dressing.
- To get some bite out of the red onion, place the diced red onion in a small bowl of ice water for 15 minutes. Then drain.
- Feta cheese that comes in a block tends to have better flavor than the crumbled feta cheese. Buy a block of feta and crumble it yourself.
- If you want to make it even healthier and with less carbs, double the amount of veggies in relation to the orzo or mix in a few handfuls of baby spinach just before serving.
- Best made at least an hour in advance and can be made 24 hours in advance.
How To Store Greek Orzo
Will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days. If leftovers are too dry, add a drizzle of olive oil.
More Greek Style Recipes
- Air Fryer Greek Chicken
- Greek Quinoa Stuffed Summer Squash
- Greek Dip
- Greek Grilled Cheese
- Healthy Grilled Greek Chicken
Greek Orzo
Greek Orzo- this delightful side dish is flavored with fresh dill, feta cheese, cucumber, tomato, and olives tossed in a fresh lemon vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1â…“ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup sliced kalamata olives
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- â…“ cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
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Cook orzo in salted water according to package directions. Drain.
Transfer to a large bowl.
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Add tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, red onion, amd dill to bowl with orzo.
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Place dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake until combined. Pour dressing over orzo salad and stir to mix in.
Note: If you dont have a Mason jar, whisk together in a bowl.
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Serve right away or chill for an hour first.
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