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Mediterranean cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and a celebration of healthful eating. This culinary tradition, spanning countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain, emphasizes the use of seasonal produce, aromatic herbs, and high-quality fats, creating dishes that are both nourishing and delicious. One such dish that encapsulates the essence of Mediterranean cooking is the Mediterranean Sunrise Orzo Salad. This refreshing salad marries the nutty texture of orzo pasta with a colorful array of fresh vegetables and herbs, making it a perfect addition to any meal or a delightful stand-alone dish.

Chilled Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with this delightful Mediterranean Sunrise Orzo Salad. Combining nutty orzo pasta with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers, this salad not only looks beautiful but is also packed with nutrients. Tossed with Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a simple dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar, it's a perfect dish for any occasion. Enjoy its refreshing taste and numerous health benefits as a meal or side dish that embodies healthy, flavorful eating.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

1 medium cucumber, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, bring about 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Set the orzo aside to cool completely.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo cools, take a cutting board and chop the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and dice the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Slice the Kalamata olives as well. Place all the prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl, ensuring they are well mixed.

      Combine Ingredients: After ensuring the orzo has cooled sufficiently, add it to the mixing bowl filled with the diced vegetables. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss the mixture together until the orzo and vegetables are evenly combined.

        Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a generous seasoning of salt and black pepper. Whisk together until well blended and emulsified, then pour this dressing over the orzo and vegetable mixture.

          Add Fresh Herbs and Feta: Gently fold in the chopped parsley, fresh mint, and crumbled feta cheese into the salad, taking care not to mash the feta. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

            Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

              Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to refresh the ingredients. Serve the dish chilled, accompanied by lemon wedges on the side for an excellent burst of citrusy flavor!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Consider serving the salad in a large, shallow bowl for family-style dining, or in individual bowls. Garnish with extra herbs and a sprinkle of feta on top for an attractive finish.