Go Back
Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

You should try this Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad Recipe. It is perfect for warm days.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 5
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound of orzo pasta.
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice.
  • 3/4 cup good olive oil.
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  • 2 cups hothouse cucumber diced.
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved.
  • 1 cup red onion chopped.
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley minced.
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves.
  • 1 pound feta cheese crumbled.
  • 1 cup pine nuts toasted.

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta

  • Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt. Cook the orzo until it is soft. This usually takes 7 to 10 minutes. Drain the water well in a colander.

Make the Lemon Dressing

  • Whisk lemon juice and olive oil. Add the salt and black pepper. Use a jar and shake it well. This makes the flavor very bold. Set the dressing aside for later.

Mix Pasta and Dressing

  • Put the warm pasta in a bowl. Pour the dressing over the pasta. Let it sit for a few minutes. The warm pasta absorbs the lemon flavor. This is a very important step.

Prep the Vegetables

  • Wash your cucumbers and tomatoes. Cut them into small, even pieces. Chop the red onion very finely. This ensures a bit in every forkful.

Add the Fresh Herbs

  • Mince the parsley and mint leaves. Use fresh herbs for the best smell. Dried herbs do not work as well. Toss them into the large bowl.

Combine Everything

  • Add cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions to pasta. Add the feta cheese carefully. Toss everything together very gently. You want the feta to stay chunky.

Add the Final Crunch

  • Toast your pine nuts in a pan. Watch them closely so they don't burn. Sprinkle them on top of the salad. They add a lovely nutty taste.

Rest and Serve

  • Let the salad sit for 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors mix. Serve it at room temperature or cold. It tastes better the longer it sits.

Notes

  • Use good olive oil. Quality oil makes a big difference.
  • Toast the pine nuts. It brings out a rich flavor.
  • Dress the pasta warm. Warm pasta soaks up the juice.
  • Keep feta in chunks. Do not over-mix the cheese.
  • Use hothouse cucumbers. They have thinner skin and less seeds.
  • Add extra herbs. Fresh mint is the secret ingredient.
  • Season at the end. Taste it before serving to check salt.
Keyword Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad Recipe