Okay, picture this: Is It’s a warm summer evening, the kind where the sun sets late and the air is thick with the smell of rotting leaves. What is the blooming What do you want to eat that is light, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying? To spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. What is your favorite Orzo Recipe with feta and tomatoes? Is it a little like Caprese salad? My family devours this stuff – even my picky eaters. Is it a good snack?
What is Orzo with tomatoes feta?
Alright, let’s break it down. What is pasta salad like? Orzo with tomatoes and feta? Think of it as a sophisticated upgrade to your average pasta dish. What is orzo pasta? What are some examples? What’s your favorite way to serve feta cheese with tomatoes, fresh herbs, oregano and basil? Why is freshness so important? What’s a good lemon-garlic dressing? What is summer in a bowl?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why this **orzo with tomatoes feta** has become a staple in my household.
First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the saltiness of the feta, the bright zest of the lemon, and the aromatic herbs all combine to create this explosion of Mediterranean deliciousness in your mouth. I always use the best quality feta I can find; it truly makes a difference.
Secondly, it’s ridiculously simple to make. Seriously, this is one of those recipes that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want something healthy and delicious.
And let’s talk about cost-efficiency. The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive and readily available. You probably have most of them in your pantry already! It’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
What I love most about this is its versatility. You can serve it warm, cold, or at room temperature. It’s fantastic as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a vegetarian main course. You can also easily customize it to your liking. Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or throw in some olives or bell peppers for added flavor and texture. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, no matter how you serve it. It’s even better the next day as the flavors meld together! Try serving it with a side of grilled chicken or fish. It complements them perfectly. It’s similar to a Greek salad, but with the added heartiness of the orzo.
How do I make orzo with tomatoes?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make orzo with tomatoes and feta? What’s the best way to cook an orzo, chop up the fresh ingredients, whisk together the dressing, and toss. Everything together. What is the secret of cooking a tomato? I often make a double batch of al dente because it disappears quickly. What is better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together? What is the best recipe for a lifesaver?
Ingredients
For the Orzo:
* 1 pound orzo pasta
* Water
* Salt
For the Tomato & Feta Mixture:
* 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (the sweeter, the better!)
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (look for Greek feces for the best flavor)
* 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped (soak in cold water for 10 minutes to tame the bite, if you’re a beginner) Is it possible to be sensitive to
* 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
For the Lemon-Garlic Dressing:
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is a must)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How do I follow step
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
What is the best way to boil salted water? Add orzo and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. How do you drain orzo and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. What is the best way to prevent a glue from sticking together? I always drizzle a little olive oil over the cooked orzo to keep it separate.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes and Feta
While the orzo is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes and crumble the feta cheese. Finely chop the red onion and the fresh herbs. Make sure the onion is chopped finely; Big chunks can be overpowering.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Make sure to whisk it really well until the dressing emulsifies. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, chopped red onion, and chopped pepper. Serve immediately. What is the best combination of onion, fresh herbs and The lemon-garlic dressing should be poured over the mixture and toss gently to combine. If you want to crush feta or tomatoes, be careful not to overmix. I like to use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together.
Step 5: Chill (Optional)
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. What is the best way to get the flavors to meld together? If you’re in a hurry, you can serve it immediately. I usually let it sit for at least an hour, if I have the time.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the orzo with tomatoes feta cold or at room temperature. Garnish with extra fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. What’s a good substitute for toasted pine nuts?
What should I serve it with?
What is the best way to serve orzo with tomatoes and feta?What is a good light lunch?Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the dressing. I also sometimes add a hard-boiled egg for extra protein.What are some good summer BBQ ideas?What are some good Side Dishes to serve with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables? What is a good alternative to potato salad?For a Mediterranean feast: Serve it alongside other Mediterranean favorites like hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel.
What’s a good weeknight dinner?Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a satisfying meal. Is it okay to toss in spinach or arugula? My family loves it with grilled salmon! It’s also great as a potluck dish. It travels well and always gets rave reviews.
How do I make a perfect orzo with tomatoes?
What is the best way to take your Orzo Recipe to the next level? What are some tips for achieving perfection?Tomatoes:Use the ripest, sweetest cherry tomatoes you can find. Heirloom cherry tomatoes are especially delicious! I always taste a tomato before using it to make sure it’s sweet enough. If your tomatoes aren’t very flavorful, you can roast them in the oven with a little olive oil and salt. Before adding garlic to an orzo, sift some olive oil and salt.Feta Quality:What is Greek feta cheese? Why is feta made from cow’s milk? Also, look for feta that’s packed in brine, as it will be creamier and more flavorful. I accidentally bought pre-crumbled feta, and it was so dry!Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs are essential for this recipe! Don’t skimp on the basil and oregano. If you can’t find fresh herbs, you can use dried, but be sure to use half the amount. I grow my own basil in the summer, and it makes all the difference.
Dressing Balance: Taste the dressing and adjust the lemon juice and olive oil to your liking. Some people prefer a more acidic dressing, while others prefer a more mellow one. I always add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity.
Orzo Doneness: Be careful not to overcook the orzo. It should be al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked orzo will be mushy and unpleasant. I always set a timer when cooking orzo, and I check it a minute or two before the recommended cooking time.
Red Onion Taming: If you’re sensitive to the strong flavor of red onion, soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the orzo. This will help to mellow out the flavor. I learned this trick from my grandmother, and it works like a charm!
Serving Time: While you can serve this dish immediately, it’s even better if you let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the taste. I often make it a day ahead of time.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This **orzo with tomatoes feta** is a fantastic make-ahead dish, and it stores well in the refrigerator.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially if it’s a hot day. The feta cheese can spoil quickly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the orzo salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually improve over time! I often make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch throughout the week.
Freezer Instructions: While you can technically freeze it, I don’t recommend it. The tomatoes will become mushy and the feta will crumble. However, if you absolutely need to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Glaze Timing Advice: This recipe doesn’t have a glaze, but if you were adding a balsamic glaze or a similar topping, I would recommend adding it just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My go-to recipe for **orzo with tomatoes feta**. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this recipe is worth trying because it’s a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s a healthy, satisfying meal that you can feel good about eating. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Greek Pasta Salad or my Lemon Herb Orzo Salad. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below if you try it and what variations you made. Don’t forget to rate the recipe!
Orzo with Tomatoes Feta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 1 pint Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cooked orzo, feta cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Serve warm.
