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To create the perfect Chilled Mediterranean Orzo Salad, precise vegetable preparation is crucial. Uniform dicing and chopping not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the dish but also ensure that each bite delivers a consistent flavor profile. Here's how to achieve that:

Chilled Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Discover the joy of summer dining with this Chilled Mediterranean Orzo Salad, a vibrant dish bursting with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. Packed with tender orzo pasta, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta, it’s ideal for picnics, barbecues, or elegant dinners. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, this salad can be customized to suit any palate. Elevate your gatherings and enjoy the delightful tastes of the Mediterranean with this refreshing recipe.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

½ red onion, finely chopped

1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

¼ cup olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo is cooking, prepare the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

      Mix the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

        Combine Ingredients: Once the orzo has cooled, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients.

          Add Feta and Parsley: Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking the feta too much.

            Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

              Serve: Stir the salad before serving, adjust seasoning if necessary, and enjoy as a refreshing side dish or light meal!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4-6 servings