Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Lemonherb Vinaigrette

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some summer side dishes for BBQ that aren't just your average coleslaw? Honestly, this Mediterranean orzo salad is about to become your new go-to.

We are talking vibrant flavors and a total crowd pleaser.

Brief Overview

This salad is born from the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. It's easier than ordering a takeaway, and ready in under an hour.

This recipe will feed 6-8 hungry people and tastes amazing.

Main Benefits

This Greek orzo salad is packed with goodness. It is also perfect for taking to a friend's BBQ. What makes it special? The lemon herb vinaigrette ties it all together.

Okay, so, I've been making this orzo salad for ages. It's honestly one of those recipes that just works , you know? I remember one time, I was rushing to get to a BBQ, and I literally threw this together in like, 20 minutes.

It was a total hit! Everyone was asking for the recipe. That's when I knew I had to share it.

What You'll Need: The Ingredients List

Right, let's talk ingredients. Don't worry, nothing too fancy. This is supposed to be easy, remember? This recipe features one pound orzo pasta.

You will also need, one cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved. Next get your hands on half a cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped.

Then, one cup crumbled feta cheese, one cup diced cucumber, and half a cup finely diced red onion. To finish it off, quarter cup fresh parsley and mint, both chopped.

BBQ pasta salad recipes don't get much fresher than this! If you want to use good quality feta, i recommend you find a block in brine for the best texture and flavour.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Right, so you fancy making this Mediterranean orzo salad , eh? Brilliant choice! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill BBQ pasta salad recipes .

It's fresh, zesty, and screaming for a summer side dishes for BBQ . I always think it is the perfect addition to any Easy BBQ sides .

Honestly, it's so easy, even I can't mess it up. Let's run through what you need.

Main Players on Our Stage

• Orzo Pasta: You'll need 1 pound (450g) . Don't overcook it! Al dente is key. Honestly, a soggy pasta salad is just depressing.
• Kalamata Olives: About 1 cup (150g) , pitted and halved. Get the good ones.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ½ cup (70g) , oil-packed, drained, and chopped. The oil adds flavour, don't skip this step.
• Feta Cheese: 1 cup (120g) , crumbled. Proper Greek feta is always worth the splurge.
• Cucumber: 1 cup (110g) , peeled, seeded, and diced. No one likes watery cucumber.
• Red Onion: ½ cup (60g) , finely diced. Unless you are going out to a pub after, then you might have second thought.
• Fresh Herbs (Parsley & Mint): ¼ cup (30g) each, chopped. Fresh is essential!

Seasoning Notes: It's All About the Zing

This lemon herb vinaigrette brings it all together. It is really essential for summer salad recipes . You'll need:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ¼ cup (60ml) . The good stuff, not that cheap stuff.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons (45ml) . Bottled? No, no, no. Get a real lemon.
• Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
• Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Minced garlic is better.
• Dried Oregano & Basil: 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon basil.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste!

Pro tip: Don’t be shy with the lemon! A little extra zip never hurt anyone. If you like, you can add some Grilled chicken side dishes , but it is already perfect alone

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

No need to get fancy. Here's what you'll need:

• A large pot for boiling the orzo.
• A colander.
• A big mixing bowl.
• A whisk for the vinaigrette.
• A chopping board and a knife.
• This salad can be considered as Potluck pasta salad , because this can be done easily without fancy equipment.

If you don’t have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch. And honestly, any bowl will work. The important thing is the flavour.

Don't forget to chill this, that's how the flavours actually come together. That's the way to make it as make-ahead BBQ salads .

Let's Make a Stunning Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Right, you lot! Fancy a killer summer side dishes for bbq that’s not just another boring salad? This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is it .

It's dead easy, packed with flavour, and frankly, it makes you look like a culinary genius. Honestly, this is your new go-to for barbecues.

It's so quick and easy that I am sure I can make it in my sleep.

Prep Like a Boss

Essential mise en place : Get everything chopped and measured before you start. Trust me, it's worth it. The key is the lemon herb vinaigrette .

Time saving organization tips : Chop the veggies while the orzo cooks. Sorted. Safety reminders : Keep your knife skills sharp, yeah? No one wants a trip to A&E.

Ace It: step-by-step

1. Cook 1 pound orzo 'til al dente ( about 10- 12 minutes ). Drain and rinse.
2. Whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil , 3 tablespoons lemon juice , 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar , 1 minced garlic clove , 1 teaspoon oregano , 1/2 teaspoon basil , salt, and pepper. This is your lemon herb vinaigrette .
3. In a big bowl, bung in the cooked orzo, 1 cup olives , 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes , 1 cup feta , 1 cup cucumber , 1/2 cup red onion , 1/4 cup parsley , and 1/4 cup mint .
4. Drizzle with that killer vinaigrette . Toss gently.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes (optional but recommended ).

Insider Knowledge

Pro Tip 1 : Don't overcook the orzo. Soggy pasta? No thanks! I always set a timer. My trick is to invest in good quality feta in brine (not pre-crumbled).

It will have a much better texture and flavour. Pro Tip 2 : Taste and adjust the vinaigrette. It’s gotta zing.

Common mistakes to avoid : Drowning the salad in dressing. Less is more, people. We don't want to make BBQ pasta salad recipes .

make-ahead option : Make the salad a day ahead, but add the feta just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean orzo salad is a winner, especially alongside grilled chicken side dishes . It’s fresh, it’s vibrant, and it’s a total game changer for your summer salad recipes .

Looking for easy BBQ sides ? This is it. Thinking about bringing something to a potluck? You'll be the star with this potluck pasta salad .

Honestly, it is so good that even the most culinary challenged friends can bring it to a dinner party. I'm so thankful for this recipe.

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits to make this Mediterranean orzo salad absolutely banging for your next barbie! Honestly, it's all about those little touches that elevate it from "meh" to "wow!".

Recipe Notes: Elevate Your BBQ

This ain't just your average BBQ pasta salad recipes . We are going next level!

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

First things first, presentation matters, innit? This salad looks fab piled high in a rustic bowl, maybe garnished with a few extra sprigs of mint.

For something a bit fancier, try layering it in individual glasses. It looks ace! For grilled chicken side dishes , pop a scoop of this salad right next to the chicken breast.

As a drink, a crisp white wine or even a homemade lemon herb vinaigrette infused lemonade would be the bomb.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days . Just make sure it's in an airtight container.

I wouldn't recommend freezing it, the pasta can get a bit mushy. To revive it, give it a good stir and add a splash more dressing if it seems a bit dry.

This is great as make-ahead BBQ salads , giving you time to focus on the main meal!

Variations: Mix It Up!

You know, sometimes you gotta tweak things to suit your taste, right? This summer salad recipes is really adaptable. For a vegetarian twist, just leave out the feta or use a vegan alternative.

For a gluten-free option, switch the orzo for quinoa or gluten-free pasta. Want to make it seasonal? In autumn, add some roasted butternut squash or some toasted pecans for a touch of seasonal sweetness.

It's perfect as potluck pasta salad , because it can be easily adjusted for dietary needs and likes!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Let's be real, nobody's counting calories at a BBQ, but it's good to know what you're putting in your body, yeah? This salad is packed with nutrients.

The orzo gives you carbs for energy, the feta provides calcium, and the veggies are loaded with vitamins. The olive oil is a source of healthy fats.

It is an easy BBQ sides dish that is not only tasty but also brings a bit of goodness to the table.

So there you have it! A simple recipe that's perfect as summer side dishes for bbq . Whether you're serving it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or just digging in as a light lunch, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit.

Don't be afraid to get creative with the ingredients. Have fun and enjoy the process! You've got this.