A light and refreshing dish combines tender orzo pasta with creamy feta, crisp cucumber, and juicy tomatoes for a perfect summer meal. It’s quick to make and full of vibrant flavors that everyone will love.
Prep Time25 min
Cook Time10 min
Total Time35 min
Difficulty
Medium
Cooking Tips You Should Know
Rinse the orzo well to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
Use good quality feta for a richer taste and better texture.
Chop the vegetables just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.
Ingredients
0/14
What Makes This Recipe So Good
Fresh, light, and full of vibrant flavors. It combines creamy feta with crisp cucumber and juicy tomatoes for a perfect balance. It's quick to make and works well for warm days or as a healthy side.
Step 1
Combin the orzo, chicken broth, water, and half of the chopped red bell pepper in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is gone, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and rinse the orzo under cold water, then let it cool.
Step 2
Once the orzo has cooled, transfer it to a large bowl and add the remaining red bell pepper along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Give everything a good toss to coat the pasta evenly. Next, stir in the cucumbers, feta, roma tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and cumin. Mix it all together well.
Step 3
Drizzle the salad with another 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss again. Pop it in the fridge for about an hour to let the flavors meld, giving it a stir once or twice while it chills. Just before serving, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
299
people cooked this recipe
ByDavid Brown
David shares approachable recipes, helpful cooking tips, and simple meal ideas.
Serving Ideas For Every Meal
Serve this alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also pairs nicely with a simple green salad or crusty bread. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors even more.
How To Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain the freshness of the vegetables and feta. Avoid freezing as the texture of the ingredients may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth works well as a substitute for chicken broth in this recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes great after chilling for at least an hour, and can be made a few hours in advance.
What can I substitute for feta cheese if I’m allergic to dairy?
You can use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether.
Is it necessary to rinse the orzo after cooking?
Yes, rinsing stops the cooking process and cools the pasta for the salad.
Can I use fresh herbs in this recipe?
Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can be added for extra flavor if you like.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and not spicy, but you can add chili flakes if you want some heat.
Can I prepare this recipe without olives?
Yes, you can omit the olives or replace them with capers for a similar salty flavor.
This simple and flavorful burger combines ground chicken with hearty chickpeas for a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a quick weeknigh...