Greek Orzo Pasta Salad - Season Two Taste

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad- When thinking of side dishes for the summer, my "chef brain" always wants to step a little outside the box. Anyone can make the usual salad recipes, (not that there's anything wrong with them!), but people look to the chefs in the world to "shake things up", so to speak. This Greek orzo salad really rises to this challenge perfectly.

close up of finished Greek Orzo Pasta Salad, showing cucumber, tomato, olives, red onion, and orzo pasta

Orzo pasta is shaped to resemble rice, therefore creating a unique texture and appearance in this pasta salad. The rest of the ingredients are favorites from the fabulously fresh and flavorful bounty that is Greek cuisine. Tangy and salty brined Kalamata olives, tart red onion, sweetly astringent oregano, and luscious extra virgin olive oil, to name a few.

We have been making and serving this Greek Orzo Pasta Salad to our friends and loved ones for years, and it has never failed to please. It's a very healthy alternative to a mayo based macaroni salad, with it's base dressing being just olive oil and fresh lemon juice. As it's written, it's vegetarian, but it can be vegan by omitting the cheese. Whether served as a side for a barbecue, or accompanied with protein of your choice as a light lunch, we think you'll really enjoy this pasta salad!

Equipment for Greek Orzo:

one saucepan
one fine mesh strainer (the orzo is small, using a regular colander will not work)
one mixing bowl
one cutting board
one chef knife
citrus reamer, (optional, but it helps juice the lemons a lot!)

ingredients for greek orzo pasta salad, olives, tomatoes. onion, cucumber, raw orzo, garlic bulb, feta, oregano, lemons, bottle of olive oil

Ingredients for Pasta Salad:

orzo pasta
kalamata olives
feta cheese
oregano
lemons
extra virgin olive oil
red onion
parsley
salt and pepper
cucumber
fresh garlic (from our garden)

Procedure for Greek Orzo Pasta Salad:

Cook and strain orzo. Getting this cooked properly without over or under doing it can be difficult. 7 to 10 minutes should do it, remember that it will continue to cook through for a minute also. Rinse with cold water to chill thoroughly.