Macrina's Orzo Salad with Cucumber Bell Pepper Basil and Feta

Bright, refreshing, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, Macrina's Orzo Salad with Cucumber, Bell Pepper, Basil, and Feta is the perfect dish for any occasion. Featuring tender orzo pasta, crisp English cucumber, sweet red bell pepper, and fragrant fresh basil, all tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic dressing, this salad strikes the perfect balance between light and satisfying. Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy finish that ties everything together. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it an excellent choice for picnics, potlucks, or as a quick, healthy lunch. Packed with vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, this orzo salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Orzo pasta
• 1 medium English cucumber
• 1 medium Red bell pepper
• 0.5 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 0.75 cup Feta cheese (crumbled)
• 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 clove Garlic (minced)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Set aside.

Step 2

While the orzo cooks, prepare the vegetables: dice the cucumber into small pieces, remove the seeds and core from the red bell pepper, and dice it into similarly sized pieces.

Step 3

Chop the fresh basil leaves into thin strips (chiffonade) and set aside.

Step 4

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to create the dressing.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, basil, and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are well-coated and evenly distributed.

Step 7

Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or light meal. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(888.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1684.4

Total Fat 87.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 160.3mg	0%
Sodium 3216.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 179.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.8g	0%
Total Sugars 16.8g
Protein 55.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1008.1mg	0%
Iron 10.2mg	0%
Potassium 897.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.7%

Protein: 12.9%

Carbs: 41.4%