Description
The Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish filled with colorful vegetables, creamy plant-based feta cheese, and a tangy apple cider vinegar (natural) dressing. This light yet satisfying salad is perfect for casual lunches or festive gatherings, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that are quick to prepare and customizable for various diets.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 3/4 cup plant-based feta (plant-based cheese), crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (natural), minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse briefly under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo cooks, wash and dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley and mint. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives to ensure easy bites.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and black pepper. If you prefer a slightly thicker dressing, stir in a small amount of natural gelling agent until blended well.
- Combine Everything: Place the cooled orzo in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped vegetables, olives, and plant-based feta (plant-based cheese). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to marry beautifully. Toss again before plating.
Notes
- Cook orzo just right to maintain a perfect texture that holds the salad well.
- Use fresh parsley and mint to brighten flavors and add aromatic layers.
- Chilling the salad helps meld all the vibrant flavors deliciously.
- Adjust dressing thickness by adding a natural gelling agent for better cling and texture.
- Serve the salad cold or at room temperature depending on your preference or occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Mediterranean salad, orzo pasta salad, plant-based feta, vegan salad, fresh pasta salad, apple cider vinegar dressing
