Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our tantalizing Tomato and Black Olive Orzo Salad recipe. This delectable dish combines the freshness of juicy tomatoes, the savory tang of black olives, and the nutty flavor of toasted orzo pasta, creating a symphony of taste and texture. Tossed in a zesty lemon-oregano dressing, this salad is a delightful blend of tangy, salty, and herbaceous notes. You'll also find variations of this classic recipe, including a vegan version that substitutes plant-based feta for traditional cheese, and a vibrant roasted tomato and orzo salad that adds a smoky depth of flavor to the dish.
These recipes offer a versatile range of options, catering to diverse dietary preferences and taste buds. Whether you're seeking a refreshing side dish for your next barbecue, a light and flavorful lunch option, or a vibrant addition to your potluck spread, these Tomato and Black Olive Orzo Salad variations are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and let's embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Mediterranean.
ORZO WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES AND KALAMATA OLIVES
A favorite side dish for Italian meals that is hearty enough to stand alone as a vegetarian main dish. Can be served warm or chilled for later.
Provided by Karli Shanklin
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 25m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.
- Mix orzo pasta, tomatoes, and olives together in a large bowl. Pour pesto over pasta mixture and stir to coat. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture; stir. Drizzle olive oil over the salad and stir to achieve your preferred moisture level.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 828.1 calories, Carbohydrate 65.2 g, Cholesterol 37.6 mg, Fat 51.1 g, Fiber 5.8 g, Protein 30.4 g, SaturatedFat 13.4 g, Sodium 1618.1 mg, Sugar 8 g
MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD
You'll love this easy orzo salad loaded with chopped veggies, fresh herbs and other Mediterranean favorites. Tossed in a bold lemony dressing. For the best flavor, dress the Mediterranean orzo salad while the orzo is still a little warm. Pasta that hasn't cooled completely will drink up the dressing really well. And allow the salad to sit for at least a few minutes (or up to an hour in the fridge) for the flavors to meld before serving.
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Salad
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook the orzo pasta according package instructions (mine took about 8 minutes). Drain and cool briefly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grape tomatoes, green onions, bell peppers, parsley, dill, olives and capers (hold the feta for now). Add the orzo pasta.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano and a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined and the orzo pasta is well coated with the dressing.
- Top with pieces of creamy feta cheese. Cover and refrigerate for a bit before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 111.1 kcal, Carbohydrate 6.9 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Cholesterol 0.4 mg, Sodium 39.4 mg, Fiber 2.3 g, ServingSize 1 serving
ORZO AND TOMATO SALAD WITH FETA CHEESE
A cold pasta salad with orzo, green olives, feta cheese, parsley, dill, tomato, olive oil, and lemon juice. If you don't have fresh herbs, use 1 teaspoon dried. As a personal chef, I can let you know that my clients love this dish.
Provided by COZYCUISINE
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Tomato Salad Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain, and rinse with cold water.
- When orzo is cool, transfer to a medium bowl and mix in olives, feta cheese, parsley, dill, and tomato. In a small bowl, whisk together oil and lemon juice. Pour over pasta, and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 329.4 calories, Carbohydrate 28.1 g, Cholesterol 37.4 mg, Fat 19.6 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 10.9 g, SaturatedFat 7.8 g, Sodium 613.7 mg, Sugar 3.8 g
SUN-DRIED TOMATO, BLACK OLIVE AND MOZZARELLA ORZO GRATIN
Provided by Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 55m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a pot of boiling salted water cook the orzo until al dente and drain. Transfer to a large bowl. In a large skillet cook the onion and fennel in the butter over moderately low heat, covered, for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, cream mixture, rosemary and salt and pepper and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes. Add the vegetables to the bowl containing the orzo and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, all but 1/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese, basil and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a buttered 1-quart baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining Mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
ORZO SALAD
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories side-dish
Time 40m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Pour the broth into a heavy large saucepan. Cover the pan and bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Stir in the orzo. Cover partially and cook until the orzo is tender but still firm to the bite, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. Drain the orzo through a strainer. Transfer the orzo to a large wide bowl and toss until the orzo cools slightly. Set aside to cool completely.
- Toss the orzo with the beans, tomatoes, onion, basil, mint, and enough vinaigrette to coat. Season the salad, to taste, with salt and pepper, and serve at room temperature.
- Mix the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender. With the machine running, gradually blend in the oil. Season the vinaigrette, to taste, with more salt and pepper, if desired.
- Yield: 1 3/4 cups
Tips:
- Prep Vegetables Evenly: Before beginning, ensure your vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions) are evenly diced for a consistent texture throughout the salad.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for ripe, flavorful tomatoes and briny black olives for an elevated taste experience.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil to suit your taste preferences, achieving a harmonious balance between tanginess and richness.
- Don't Overcook Orzo: Cook the orzo according to package instructions, ensuring it retains a slight bite to prevent mushiness.
- Let Salad Marinate: Allow the salad to marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Enhance the salad's presentation and flavor by garnishing it with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley.
Conclusion:
This vibrant and flavorful tomato and black olive orzo salad is a delightful addition to any menu. Its medley of fresh vegetables, briny olives, and tangy dressing creates a refreshing and satisfying dish. Whether served as a light lunch, a vibrant side, or a flavorful appetizer, this salad is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness. Experiment with different herbs, cheeses, and nuts to create variations that cater to your unique taste preferences. Enjoy this delightful culinary creation!
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