Can I Make Greek Orzo Salad in Advance?

Name: Easy Greek Orzo Salad Recipe
Prep time: PT-480130H52M38S
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1½ cups dry orzo pasta; 2 Persian cucumbers, halved vertically and sliced; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half; 4 ounces feta cheese, cut into ¼-inch cubes; ⅓ cup red onion, diced; ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped; 1/4 cup pinenuts (optional); 1/4 cup olive oil +1 tablespoon; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and black pepper to taste

Yes, Greek Orzo Salad is perfect for making in advance. It allows the flavors to meld together. Store it in the refrigerator and refresh with a bit more dressing before serving if needed.

Greek Orzo Salad Recipe with Feta (Easy!)

Description

Greek Orzo Salad Recipe with Feta (Easy!)– packed with fresh veggies and a zingy Greek dressing- this is a salad you will crave all summer! It’s the perfect side dish for your next picnic or BBQ.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Greek Orzo Salad

1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
2 Persian cucumbers, halved vertically and sliced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
4 ounces feta cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1/3 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/4 cup pinenuts (optional)

Greek Salad Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil +1 tablespoon
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

To make the Greek salad dressing, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and Dijon mustard in a Small Bowl. Alternatively, shake the ingredients in a small jar with a lid. Set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions or until al dente. As it cools, the pasta continues to cook a bit.
Drain the orzo and add to a large mixing bowl. Toss a few times with a wooden spoon to release the hot steam (about 1-2 minutes). Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of the dressing. Toss to combine and let cool for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to cool past.. Do not rinse pasta with cold water or lay it on a baking sheet to cool; use this method instead for a more flavorful tasting pasta salad.
Once pasta is cooled, combine with the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, feta cheese cubes, diced red onion, pitted Kalamata olives, chopped fresh basil, and chopped fresh mint leaves.
Pour the rest of the Greek Salad Dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Season the salad with freshly ground black pepper to taste (if desired).
Refrigerate the Greek Orzo Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Sprinkle with pine nuts (if using) just before serving.
Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious Greek Orzo Salad!

Notes

TIPS

Fresh and Quality Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Choose ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and quality feta cheese.
Balanced Dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust the balance of acidity, sweetness, and saltiness to achieve a well-rounded flavor.
Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavors and allows the ingredients to meld together.

Prep Time: 10-15 min
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Savory
Method: Italian
Cuisine: Greek