Costco Orzo Salad Recipe

This Costco Orzo Salad is a fresh and zesty recipe, which is made with feta cheese and Kalamata olives. It’s the perfect side dish, ready in about 20 minutes.

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Costco Orzo Salad Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 1/2 cups orzo
• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 green onions, trimmed and chopped (both white and green parts)
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 English cucumber, chopped
• 1 packed cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 packed cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
• 2 teaspoons capers
• Feta cheese (optional), for garnish

For the Dressing:

• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

How To Make Costco Orzo Salad

1. Cook the orzo: Cook the orzo pasta in a large pot of salted, boiling water according to the package directions until al dente (usually about 8 minutes). Drain the pasta well.
2. Make the dressing: While the pasta cooks, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well combined.
3. Combine the salad components: In a large mixing bowl, add the halved tomatoes, chopped green onions, bell pepper, cucumber, parsley, dill, olives, and capers.
4. Dress and chill: Add the cooked orzo to the bowl with the vegetables. For the best flavor, pour the dressing over the salad while the orzo is still slightly warm and toss until everything is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Finish and serve: Just before serving, top the salad with crumbled feta cheese, if desired.

Recipe Tips

• How to get the best flavor? The key is to dress the salad while the orzo is still a little warm. This allows the pasta to absorb the zesty lemon dressing more effectively, making the entire salad more flavorful.
• Can I add extra protein? Absolutely. This salad is a fantastic base for protein. Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or a can of drained chickpeas to make it a more substantial main course.
• How to prevent a soggy salad? If you plan to have leftovers, you can store the chopped cucumber separately and add it just before serving to keep it extra crisp.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a great make-ahead salad. You can prepare the dressing and the salad (without the cucumber and feta) up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and toss everything together before serving.

What To Serve With Orzo Salad

This versatile Mediterranean salad is a perfect side dish for many main courses.

• Grilled lamb chops or chicken skewers
• Pan-seared salmon or scallops
• As part of a mezze platter with hummus and pita bread
• Alongside a simple steak

How To Store Orzo Salad

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the vegetables may lose some of their crispness over time.

Orzo Salad Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 111.1kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6.9g
• Protein: 1.7g
• Fat: 8.5g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Costco Kale Salad Recipe
• Costco Celery Salad Recipe
• Costco Autumn Grain Salad Recipe