Orzo pasta salad - Light and aromatic
Orzo pasta salad is a light and filling dish that works well as both lunch and dinner, as well as an addition to grilled dishes. Orzo pasta, which resembles grains of rice, goes perfectly with intensely flavored ingredients: black olives, cherry tomatoes, grilled peppers and feta cheese. Lightly frying the peppers gives the salad a depth of flavor, and the addition of fresh parsley and lemon juice emphasizes its Mediterranean character. Olive oil and garlic add a unique aroma, and orzo pasta makes it light but filling at the same time. Thanks to its simple and aromatic composition, orzo pasta salad can be served both hot and cold. You can prepare this summer orzo pasta salad in advance and take it to work or on a picnic.
Orzo pasta salad recipe
Ingredients
- 200 g orzo pasta
- 100 g black olives
- 200 g cherry tomatoes
- 2 yellow peppers
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice from ½ lemon
- ½ bunch of parsley
- 100 g feta cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt, then add the orzo. Cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Leave to cool.
Wash, seed and dice the peppers. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan, then add the chopped peppers. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until soft and lightly browned. When the peppers are soft, add the crushed garlic cloves and cook for about a minute more, until the garlic releases its aroma but does not burn. Remove the pan from the heat and leave to cool.
Wash and halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes. Drain the olives and slice them or leave them whole. Wash, dry and finely chop the parsley. Cut the cheese into small cubes or crumble into smaller pieces with your fingers.
In a bowl, combine cooked orzo pasta, sautéed peppers with garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, parsley and feta cheese. Pour lemon juice to taste and mix
Before serving, it is worth setting it aside for 10-15 minutes so that the ingredients can blend well. If served cold, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours, which will further enhance its flavor.
Orzo pasta salad is perfect as a standalone dish or as an addition to grilled dishes, roasted chicken, fish or seafood. With its light and refreshing taste, it is an ideal proposition for summer meetings, parties and family dinners. You can take it to work or on a picnic.
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