Meatless Greek Orzo Pasta
A vibrant and flavorful dish that combines fresh ingredients like orzo pasta, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, perfect for any summer gathering.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base
- 1 cup Orzo pasta Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- 1 cup Grape tomatoes Halved.
- ¼ cup Green olives Sliced.
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives Sliced.
- 2 cups Spinach Chopped.
Flavor Enhancers
- ½ cup Feta cheese Crumble for mixing.
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice Adds zest and balances flavors.
- ¼ cup Fresh basil Chopped.
Instructions
Cooking the Orzo
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes.
Preparing the Vegetables
- While the orzo cooks, halve the grape tomatoes, slice the green and Kalamata olives, and chop the spinach.
Combining Ingredients
- Once the orzo is cooked, drain it and reserve a bit of the pasta water. In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot orzo with the grape tomatoes, olives, and spinach.
Adding Feta and Dressing
- Gently toss in the feta cheese and drizzle with lime juice. Mix well and add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Seasoning
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Finishing Touches
- Fold in fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
For added crunch, consider mixing in toasted pine nuts or walnuts before serving. Substituting goat cheese for feta can give a tangy twist.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4g
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