Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

Ina Garten’s Greek Orzo Salad is a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish packed with bright flavors and wholesome ingredients. Made with tender orzo pasta, crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, this salad is perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or a potluck favorite. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a delicious and satisfying option for any occasion.

What is Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad?

Ina Garten’s Greek Orzo Salad is a Mediterranean-style pasta salad featuring orzo, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese tossed in a lemon-olive oil dressing. This dish is light yet flavorful, offering a perfect balance of tangy, salty, and fresh elements. It can be served warm or chilled and pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a standalone meal.

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• Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve
• Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad

• Light and refreshing – The lemon vinaigrette gives the salad a bright and zesty flavor.
• Perfect for meal prep – Stays fresh for days, making it a great make-ahead dish.
• Versatile as a side or main dish – Enjoy it on its own or alongside grilled meats and seafood.
• Packed with Mediterranean flavors – Includes feta, olives, cucumbers, and fresh herbs.
• Easy to customize – Add more veggies, proteins, or grains to suit your preference.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad

• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad

• Cook the orzo – Boil the orzo pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
• Prepare the vegetables – Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives, and finely chop the red onion.
• Make the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
• Combine ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked orzo, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, red onion, parsley, and mint.
• Toss with dressing – Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix until all ingredients are well coated.
• Add feta cheese – Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top and lightly toss.
• Chill before serving – Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad

• Serve with grilled chicken or lamb – A perfect side for Mediterranean-style proteins.
• Pair with seafood – Complement grilled shrimp, salmon, or white fish beautifully.
• Enjoy with warm pita bread – Scoop up the salad with toasted pita or flatbread.
• Top with extra feta cheese – Adds more creaminess and richness.
• Serve alongside hummus and tzatziki – A great addition to a Mediterranean mezze platter.
• Make it a grain bowl – Add chickpeas or quinoa for a heartier meal.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad

• Cook orzo al dente for the best texture – Overcooking can make the pasta too soft and mushy.
• Rinse the pasta after cooking – This prevents it from sticking together.
• Use high-quality feta cheese – Greek feta in brine provides the best texture and flavor.
• Let the salad sit before serving – This helps the flavors blend and enhances the taste.
• Balance the seasoning to your taste – Adjust the lemon juice, salt, and oregano as needed.
• Keep the dressing separate for meal prep – If making ahead, mix the dressing in just before serving.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein – Turn this salad into a satisfying main dish.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad

• Make it spicy with red pepper flakes – Adds a slight kick to the dressing.
• Use whole wheat orzo for a healthier option – Provides extra fiber and nutrients.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor – Brings a touch of sweetness.
• Mix in avocado for creaminess – Adds a smooth texture and healthy fats.
• Swap orzo for quinoa or couscous – A great alternative for a gluten-free or grain-based salad.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad

• Refrigerate in an airtight container – Stays fresh for up to 3 days.
• Store dressing separately if making ahead – Prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid.
• Avoid freezing – The fresh vegetables and pasta lose texture when frozen.
• Stir before serving – Redistribute dressing and flavors after refrigeration.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad

• Best served chilled or at room temperature – No need to reheat.
• Let it sit at room temperature before eating – Enhances the flavors after refrigeration.
• Add extra dressing if needed – A splash of olive oil and lemon juice refreshes the salad.

FAQs

How long does Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad last in the fridge?

Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

Can I make Greek Orzo Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Greek Orzo Salad up to 24 hours in advance. To keep it fresh, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving.

What is the best substitute for orzo in Greek salad?

If you don’t have orzo, you can use couscous, quinoa, or small pasta like ditalini or pearl barley as a substitute. These alternatives provide a similar texture and absorb flavors well.

Can I add protein to Greek Orzo Salad?

Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or even tofu to turn this salad into a heartier meal.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Greek Orzo Salad is a light, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Try this simple recipe today and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean at home!

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