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Easy No-Cook Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe Perfect for Quick Meals

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A fresh and satisfying no-cook Greek orzo pasta salad with feta, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for quick meals, potlucks, or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (180 g) uncooked orzo pasta
  • 4 oz (115 g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/3 cup (50 g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Place 1 cup (180 g) of orzo in a bowl and cover with 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) boiling water. Let soak for 10-12 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain excess water and spread orzo on a plate to cool and prevent clumping.
  2. Dice 1 medium cucumber, halve 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, finely chop 1 small red onion (soak in cold water for 5 minutes if milder flavor desired), and slice 1/3 cup (50 g) Kalamata olives. Chop 1/4 cup (15 g) parsley and 2 tablespoons fresh mint finely. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled orzo, chopped vegetables, herbs, and 4 oz (115 g) crumbled feta cheese. Pour dressing over and gently toss to coat without breaking down the feta.
  5. Refrigerate salad for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld. Toss lightly before serving and garnish with whole olives or parsley sprigs if desired.

Notes

Use quick-cooking orzo that softens when soaked. Timing is key to avoid mushy or tough orzo. Drain well and spread to cool to prevent clumping. Adjust salt carefully due to feta saltiness. Salad keeps well refrigerated up to 2 days but may absorb dressing and soften. For vegan or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-cook, Greek, orzo pasta salad, feta, quick meals, Mediterranean, easy salad, potluck, healthy

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/easy-no-cook-greek-orzo-pasta-salad-recipe-perfect-for-quick-meals/