Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The Mediterranean Vibes We Need in October!
It might be October, but who’s ready to bring a little sunshine back to our plates? I know I am! This Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is light, fresh, and filled with bright, zesty flavors that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting by the Mediterranean—even if we’re all wrapped up in sweaters right now.
Why You’ll Love This Orzo Salad
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. The fresh cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese all come together in the most delicious way. And don’t even get me started on the lemony vinaigrette—it’s the kind of dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything. It’s also the perfect side dish for pretty much any meal or can stand alone as a quick, satisfying lunch!
Orzo Salad
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Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small Bowl
- zester
- chef's knife
- citrus juicer
Ingredients
Orzo Salad
- 1 cup orzo cooked
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 Persian cucumber finely sliced
- ¼ cup Kalamata olves sliced in half
- ¼ cup Greek feta cheese crumbled
Dressing
- juice of one lemon
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp fresh oregano for garnish
Instructions
- Cook, orzo pasta, according to directions spread on a baking sheet. Let the orzo completely cool before adding fresh vegetables.1 cup orzo
- Combine all ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl set aside.¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp sherry vinegar, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, juice of one lemon
- Combine cooked orzo with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese and dressing. Toss well. Garnish with fresh oregano or parsley.¼ cup cherry tomatoes, 1 Persian cucumber, ¼ cup Kalamata olves, ¼ cup Greek feta cheese, ½ tsp fresh oregano
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More About This Recipe
My Favorite Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
Let’s talk kitchen tools. This orzo salad comes together pretty easily, but having a few key tools on hand can make things even smoother: 1. Microplane Zester: This is one of my favorite tools for grating fresh lemon zest right into the dressing. It adds a bright pop of flavor without any extra effort. 2. Large Mixing Bowl: I love using a big mixing bowl to toss everything together. You’ll need room to combine all those fresh veggies, orzo, and feta without making a mess. 3. A Good Chef’s Knife: Chopping the cucumbers, slicing the olives, and halving the cherry tomatoes can be a breeze if you’ve got a sharp chef’s knife on hand. Trust me, it makes a huge difference! 4. Citrus Juicer: If you want to make sure you get every last drop out of your lemon, a simple citrus juicer works wonders. Plus, it’s less messy!Simple Cooking Tips
- Cool the Orzo Completely: After cooking the orzo, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly. This will prevent it from clumping and make sure the salad is light and fluffy instead of sticky.
- Customize It: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies! Bell peppers or even arugula would be awesome additions.
- Make It Ahead: This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just hold off on adding the feta until you’re ready to serve so it stays nice and fresh.
The Health Benefits (Especially for Women Over 50!)
This salad isn’t just tasty, it’s also packed with ingredients that do wonders for our health, especially for women over 50.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Did you know olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats? Research shows that these fats can help reduce the risk of heart disease and may even support brain health. A 2022 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil improved heart function and reduced inflammation in women over 50.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems are bursting with lycopene, an antioxidant that’s been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer. Lycopene also supports skin health, which is always a plus!
- Feta Cheese: While we all love feta for its flavor, it’s also a great source of calcium and protein. Calcium is especially important for maintaining bone density as we age, which can help prevent osteoporosis.
- Cucumbers: Hydrating and refreshing, cucumbers are packed with vitamins like K and C, helping support bone and skin health.
This salad is not just a flavor explosion—it’s packed with nutrients that can keep you feeling your best!
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into a big bowl of this goodness and soak up those vibrant, summery vibes!