Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Feta and Roasted Peppers
This vibrant Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a perfect dish for a summer picnic or a refreshing side for any meal. Featuring tender orzo pasta tossed with tangy roasted red peppers and creamy feta cheese, it’s elevated by the aromatic freshness of mint and the crunch of toasted pine nuts. A zesty red wine vinaigrette made with marinated red onions brings all the flavors together, creating a delightful medley that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Enjoy this salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
red onion
1 (peeled, halved, and finely sliced)
red wine vinegar
2-3 tablespoons (n/a)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (n/a)
orzo pasta
8 ounces (tiny rice-shaped pasta)
roasted red peppers
3 (from a jar, sliced)
feta cheese
6 ounces (crumbled)
pine nuts
2 tablespoons (toasted)
mint leaf
1 small bunch (chopped)
salt and pepper
to taste (n/a)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely sliced red onion, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and set aside to marinate, allowing the flavors to meld and the onions to soften.
2
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Make sure to drain well to avoid excess water in the salad.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinated onions (along with their dressing) and the cooked orzo. Gently fold in the sliced roasted red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, and chopped mint. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
4
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop further before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Feta and Roasted Peppers?
It is a vibrant pasta salad featuring tender orzo, tangy roasted red peppers, creamy feta cheese, fresh mint, and toasted pine nuts, all tossed in a zesty red wine vinaigrette.
What are the main ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients include orzo pasta, red onion, red wine vinegar, olive oil, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, pine nuts, and mint leaf.
How is the dressing for this orzo salad made?
The dressing is a red wine vinaigrette made by combining finely sliced red onion, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How should I prepare the orzo pasta?
Cook the orzo in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Why do I need to rinse the orzo after cooking?
Rinsing the orzo under cold water halts the cooking process and prevents the salad from becoming mushy.
What type of peppers are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for three roasted red peppers from a jar, which should be sliced before being added to the salad.
How much feta cheese is required?
You will need 6 ounces of crumbled feta cheese for this recipe.
Do I need to cook the pine nuts?
The pine nuts should be toasted to provide the best flavor and a crunchy texture to the salad.
What fresh herb is used in this Mediterranean salad?
A small bunch of fresh chopped mint leaves is used to provide aromatic freshness.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be peeled, halved, and finely sliced before being marinated in the vinaigrette.
Why are the onions marinated first?
Marinating the onions in vinegar and oil allows the flavors to meld and helps soften the onions before they are mixed with the pasta.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop further.
Can this salad be served at room temperature?
Yes, this salad can be enjoyed either chilled or at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
Is this Mediterranean Orzo Salad healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious dish and is tagged as a healthy recipe choice.
What is orzo pasta?
Orzo is a tiny, rice-shaped pasta that is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and salads.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this Mediterranean Orzo Salad.
What is the recommended serving occasion for this dish?
It is perfect for summer picnics, lunches, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal.
How much orzo pasta is needed?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of orzo pasta.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
Three tablespoons of olive oil are used to make the vinaigrette.
Can I adjust the amount of vinegar used?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 2 to 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar depending on your preference.
How do I ensure the salad is well-seasoned?
After mixing all the ingredients, you should taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
The crunch is provided by two tablespoons of toasted pine nuts.
Should the roasted peppers be fresh or jarred?
The recipe specifically recommends using roasted red peppers from a jar for convenience and flavor.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The salad features tender pasta, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and soft marinated vegetables, creating a delightful medley of textures.
Is the recipe easy to prepare for a group?
Yes, because it can be served chilled or at room temperature and is best made in advance, it is excellent for hosting or large groups.
What color is the onion used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one red onion.
How do I prevent the salad from being too watery?
Make sure to drain the cooked orzo very well after rinsing to avoid excess water in the salad bowl.
Can this be a main course?
While it is a great side dish, its inclusion of pasta, cheese, and nuts makes it a satisfying option for a vegetarian lunch.
What category of food does this fall into?
This dish is categorized as a Mediterranean pasta salad.