Indulge in a symphony of flavors with this tantalizing Minty Orzo Lentil and Feta Salad, a delightful vegetarian dish that bursts with freshness and nutrition. Discover a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, from the chewy orzo pasta to the nutty lentils, complemented by crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Feta cheese adds a tangy touch, while a vibrant mint dressing brings it all together, leaving you refreshed and satisfied. This versatile salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a vibrant side dish. With additional recipes for a zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing and a tangy Dijon Vinaigrette, you'll have a trio of dressings to suit your taste preferences. Get ready to elevate your culinary skills and tantalize your taste buds with this flavor-packed salad extravaganza!
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
LENTIL SALAD WITH MINT AND FETA
Categories Salad Vegetarian High Fiber Feta Mint Lentil Chill Bon Appétit
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place lentils in heavy large saucepan. Cover lentils with 4 inches of water. Season water with salt. Boil until lentils are just tender, about 25 minutes. Drain. Cool slightly.
- Combine oil, vinegar, mint and garlic in large bowl. Add warm lentils; toss well. Refrigerate until well chilled. (Lentils can be prepared 1 day ahead.)
- Add tomatoes, bell pepper and green onions to lentils. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide salad among plates. Sprinkle feta over lentils.
ORZO WITH CHERRY TOMATOES, FETA AND MINT
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, about 7 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and garlic, and saute until the shallots begin to soften and the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook just to warm through, about 1 minute.
- Add the warm tomato mixture to a large bowl along with the feta, arugula, mint, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Drain the orzo and add it to the bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil. Toss well and serve.
WARM ORZO SALAD WITH MINT AND FETA
Steps:
- In large pot of boiling, salted water, cook orzo per package directions. When orzo is al dente, remove from heat and add frozen peas to cooking water. Let sit for 1 minute.
- Drain and transfer to a serving bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Serve warm.
ORZO SALAD WITH LENTILS AND ZUCCHINI
The key to vibrant yet substantial summer salads is to mix raw and cooked ingredients and incorporate as many textures as possible. This one achieves that abundance in a streamlined manner by cooking lentils and orzo together in one pot. Start with the lentils, then add the orzo partway through cooking so both become tender at once. (You can do the same with any boiling ingredients.) The chewy orzo and velvety lentils then meet crisp, raw zucchini, crunchy nuts, and the pep of pickled peppers, scallions, lemon and a whole lot of fresh herbs - none of which requires more than a little chopping from you. Eat this protein-rich salad on its own, or add soft-boiled eggs, tinned fish, feta or pecorino, as you wish.
Provided by Ali Slagle
Categories dinner, lunch, weeknight, salads and dressings, vegetables, side dish
Time 40m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lentils and cook for 9 minutes, then add the orzo and cook until the lentils and orzo are cooked through but not mushy, another 10 to 12 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the oil, lemon juice and pepperoncini. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. If using small or medium zucchini, halve them lengthwise, then slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons. (If using large zucchini, quarter them lengthwise first, then slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick triangles.) Add to the dressing and stir to combine.
- Drain the lentils and orzo very well, then add to the zucchini, along with the pistachios and scallions. Stir to combine, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the herbs just before serving. Eat warm or at room temperature. (Salad keeps, refrigerated, for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature and adjust seasonings before eating.)
MINTY ORZO AND PEAS
My grandmother used to serve this side dish along with roast leg of lamb. With its fresh mint taste, it also makes a nice salad served chilled. It's simple but delicious. -Kristen Dunphy of Haverhill, Massachusetts
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside. , In a large skillet, saute onion and garlic in butter until tender. Add peas. Cook for 2 minutes or until tender. Add the lemon zest, salt, pepper and orzo; heat through. Stir in mint.
Nutrition Facts :
Tips:
- Use a variety of lentils for a more complex flavor. This recipe calls for green lentils, but you can also use brown, black, or red lentils. Each type of lentil has a slightly different flavor and texture, so using a variety will give your salad more depth of flavor.
- Don't overcook the lentils. Lentils should be cooked until they are tender but still hold their shape. Overcooked lentils will become mushy and lose their flavor.
- Use a flavorful dressing. The dressing is what really brings this salad together. Make sure to use a dressing that is flavorful and tangy, such as the lemon-tahini dressing in this recipe.
- Add some fresh herbs. Fresh herbs, such as mint, parsley, or cilantro, will add a pop of color and flavor to your salad.
- Serve the salad warm or cold. This salad is delicious served warm or cold. If you're serving it warm, let it cool slightly before adding the feta cheese. If you're serving it cold, chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Conclusion:
This minty orzo, lentil, and feta salad is a delicious and healthy side dish or main course. It's packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it's also low in calories and fat. The combination of lentils, orzo, feta cheese, and fresh mint is simply irresistible. So next time you're looking for a light and refreshing salad, give this recipe a try.
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