Ingredients

1 lb orzo pasta
1 lb feta
6 -7 ounces kalamata olives ( about 6.5 oz of actual olives )
12 -16 ounces Baby Spinach
10 -15 large basil leaves ( can leave out )
1/2 - 1 whole red onion , diced ( add as much as you like )
5 fresh mint leaves ( can leave out )
1 cup lemon juice , fresh
1 cup olive oil ( I put 1/2c of olive oil and 1/2c of the oil from the olive jar )
1/2 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and pepper
This Make Ahead Greek Orzo Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The salad is inspired by traditional Greek cuisine, which is known for its fresh and healthy ingredients. Orzo pasta is a type of short-cut pasta that resembles rice, and it's a popular ingredient in Greek cuisine. The combination of orzo pasta, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs makes this salad a flavorful and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. The salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it a convenient and practical dish for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Give this Greek Orzo Salad a try and experience the flavors of Greece in the comfort of your own home!

Instructions

1.Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.
2.In a large bowl, crumble feta cheese into small pieces and add kalamata olives.
3.Chop baby spinach and basil leaves, then add to the bowl. Dice the red onion and add to the bowl.
4.Finely chop fresh mint leaves and add to the bowl as well.
5.In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the dressing to the large bowl and mix everything together.
6.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Serve cold.

PROS

This Greek Orzo Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that can be made ahead of time.

The combination of orzo pasta, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs is a crowd-pleaser.

It’s a great side dish for potlucks, picnics, and backyard BBQs.

CONS

The salad contains a lot of salty ingredients, such as feta cheese and kalamata olives, which may not be suitable for individuals with high blood pressure or those watching their sodium intake.

The salad may also be too heavy for some people, as it contains a lot of pasta and cheese.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The salad contains a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables, such as basil, spinach, and red onion, which provide essential nutrients and vitamins.
Kalamata olives are a good source of healthy fats, while feta cheese is a good source of calcium.
Orzo pasta is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber.

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