Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Artichokes and Feta
This vibrant Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a delightful summer dish that captures the essence of the garden with its fresh ingredients and zesty flavors. A perfect side dish for barbecues and potlucks, this salad combines tender orzo pasta with sun-kissed marinated artichoke hearts, juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, and crunchy red onions. Tossed with crumbled feta cheese, plump black olives, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is elevated with a splash of lemon juice and aromatic oregano. Serve it alongside grilled fish like bluefish, shrimp, or flounder for a beautifully balanced meal. It’s both nutritious and delicious, making it a must-try for your summer gatherings!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orzo pasta
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
Marinated artichoke hearts
12 ounces (drained (2 - 6 ounce cans))
Tomato
1 (seeded and chopped)
Cucumber
1 (seeded and chopped)
Red onion
1 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
Feta cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
Black olives
2 ounces (drained (2 ounce can))
Parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ( )
Lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ( )
Instructions
1
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta, cooking for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
2
2. While the pasta cooks, drain the marinated artichoke hearts, reserving the marinade for later use.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the artichoke hearts, crushed garlic, chopped tomato, cucumber, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, drained black olives, and chopped parsley.
4
4. Drizzle the lemon juice, dried oregano, and lemon pepper over the salad. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
5
5. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
6
6. Just before serving, drizzle the reserved marinade from the artichoke hearts over the salad for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Orzo Salad?
It is a vibrant summer dish featuring orzo pasta, marinated artichoke hearts, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese tossed in a light lemon dressing.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses orzo, which is a small, rice-shaped pasta perfect for salads.
How long should I cook the orzo?
Boil the orzo in lightly salted water for 8 to 10 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is recommended to chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
What should I do with the artichoke marinade?
Reserve the marinade from the artichoke hearts and drizzle it over the salad just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad includes seeded and chopped tomato, cucumber, red onion, and marinated artichoke hearts.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, all the primary ingredients in this Mediterranean Orzo Salad are vegetarian-friendly.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The recipe calls for two garlic cloves that should be crushed before being added to the mixing bowl.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by substituting the wheat-based orzo with a gluten-free orzo alternative or cooked quinoa.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe uses one cup of crumbled feta cheese for a salty and tangy flavor.
What kind of olives are recommended?
The recipe uses 2 ounces of drained black olives, though Kalamata olives are also a great choice.
What proteins pair well with this salad?
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled fish such as bluefish, shrimp, or flounder.
How do I prevent the salad from being too watery?
Be sure to seed the tomato and cucumber before chopping to remove excess moisture.
Is the salad served hot or cold?
This is a cold salad that should be served chilled from the refrigerator.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses fresh chopped parsley and dried oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean profile.
What provides the citrus flavor?
The zest and tang come from one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon pepper.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley is preferred for flavor, you can use dried parsley at a ratio of one tablespoon dried for every 1/4 cup fresh.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is a perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, and summer gatherings because it transports well.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salad will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
Can I add chicken to this recipe?
Absolutely, adding grilled chicken breast makes this side dish a hearty and complete meal.
What can I substitute for orzo?
You can substitute orzo with couscous, pearl couscous, or small pasta shapes like ditalini.
Is there a lot of sodium in this recipe?
The sodium comes primarily from the feta cheese and olives; you can reduce it by using low-sodium olives or less cheese.
Do I need to cook the artichokes?
No, use canned or jarred marinated artichoke hearts which are already cooked and flavorful.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While not specified, a recipe using 1.5 cups of dry orzo typically serves 4 to 6 people as a side dish.
Can I use red wine vinegar instead of lemon juice?
Yes, red wine vinegar is a suitable substitute if you do not have fresh lemon juice.
Should I rinse the orzo after cooking?
Draining it thoroughly is usually enough, but a quick rinse with cold water can help cool it down faster for immediate mixing.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
It contains feta cheese, so it is not dairy-free. You can omit the cheese or use a vegan feta substitute.
How much oregano should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
What kind of onion is best?
Red onion is used for its mild flavor and vibrant color which complements the other ingredients.
Does this salad contain nuts?
No, this specific recipe is nut-free, making it safe for those with nut allergies.