ORZO SALAD WITH PEPPERS AND FETA

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Orzo Salad With Peppers and Feta image

Piperade, a classic Basque dish of stewed peppers, onions and tomatoes, becomes a flavorful sauce for this pasta. Colorful bell peppers simmer in olive oil and aromatics until meltingly soft, and juicy tomatoes simmer alongside until they burst, lending both tangy and sweet notes. Briny feta adds salty bites to complement the sweet pepper sauce, but tart aged goat cheese makes a good alternative. This side is even better at room temperature, making it the perfect make-ahead dish for summer picnics or potlucks.

Provided by Kay Chun

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, pastas, salads and dressings, main course, side dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings (about 10 cups)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound orzo
Kosher salt and pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
3 large or 4 medium red, yellow or orange bell peppers (about 1 1/4 pounds), cored, seeded and chopped into ½-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
1 fresh thyme sprig
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 medium tomato, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
4 ounces feta cheese, thinly sliced or crumbled

Steps:

  • Cook orzo in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta, pressing out excess liquid. Spread out on a baking sheet to cool.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium. Add onion, bell peppers and thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomato and cook, stirring occasionally, until broken down and juices release, about 8 minutes.
  • Add the reserved pasta water and stir to scrape up any browned bits at the bottom of the skillet. Transfer vegetable mixture to a large bowl to cool slightly to lukewarm, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to speed up the cooling process. Discard thyme sprig.
  • Add cooled orzo, lemon juice, basil and cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix well, then transfer to a large serving bowl or platter. Garnish with more basil.

Oheneba Sylvester
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I made this salad for a party and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved it. It's so easy to make and it's so delicious.


MauriceAllen Allen
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This salad is amazing! I love the combination of flavors and textures. It's the perfect summer dish.


Damian Goodby
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I've made this salad several times and it's always a crowd-pleaser. It's so easy to make and it's always delicious.


Go tv
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This is a great recipe for a light and healthy summer meal. I love the combination of flavors and textures. I will definitely be making this again.


Kaliba Samuel
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I made this salad for a party and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved it. It's so easy to make and it's so delicious.


Meeral almeer
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This salad is amazing! I love the combination of flavors and textures. It's the perfect summer dish.


Dhoj Saud
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I've made this salad several times and it's always a crowd-pleaser. It's so easy to make and it's always delicious.


For Gamers
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This is a great recipe for a light and healthy summer meal. I love the combination of flavors and textures. I will definitely be making this again.


Little Princes
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I made this salad for a party and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved it. It's so easy to make and it's so delicious.


M Attaullah
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This salad is amazing! I love the combination of flavors and textures. It's the perfect summer dish.


Aduening Richard
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I've made this salad several times and it's always a crowd-pleaser. It's so easy to make and it's always delicious.


Ssm Nonys
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This is a great recipe for a light and healthy summer meal. I love the combination of flavors and textures. I will definitely be making this again.


Trever Fulton
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I made this salad for a picnic and it was a huge success! Everyone loved it. The flavors are so fresh and summery. I will definitely be making this again.


Canon Hoelzer
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This orzo salad is a great summer dish! It's light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. I love the combination of orzo, peppers, feta, and olives. I also added some grilled chicken to mine for some extra protein. It was a hit with my family and frien