Orzo, Feta, and Tomato Salad with Marjoram Vinaigrette

Health score
19%
Orzo, Feta, and Tomato Salad with Marjoram Vinaigrette
45 min.
8
353kcal

Suggestions


Looking to elevate your summer gatherings or add a refreshing twist to your lunch lineup? Look no further than this delightful Orzo, Feta, and Tomato Salad with Marjoram Vinaigrette. Bursting with flavor and color, this dish seamlessly combines the chewy texture of orzo pasta with the sweetness of fresh cherry tomatoes, the salty creaminess of feta cheese, and the bold taste of Kalamata olives. Each bite is a celebration of summer produce, making it the perfect companion for barbecues or picnics.

The standout component of this salad is the vibrant marjoram vinaigrette, which ties all the ingredients together with its aromatic, herbaceous flair. As you whisk together fresh lemon juice, fragrant marjoram, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, you create a dressing that not only enhances the flavors but also adds a zesty brightness to the dish. Prepare it ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld and develop, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping or entertaining.

With its stunning presentation and satisfying combination of flavors and textures, this Orzo, Feta, and Tomato Salad is more than just a side dish—it's a vibrant main course that everyone will love! Serve it at your next family gathering or enjoy it as a wholesome, standalone lunch. Regardless of the occasion, this salad is sure to impress and leave your taste buds craving more.

Ingredients

  • 24 ounces cherry tomatoes stemmed halved
  • teaspoons dijon mustard 
  • 1.5 cups feta cheese crumbled
  • teaspoons marjoram fresh finely chopped
  •  green onions thinly sliced
  • cup kalamata olives pitted quartered
  • 0.3 cup juice of lemon fresh
  • teaspoon lemon zest grated
  • 0.5 cup olive oil 
  • pound orzo pasta 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • whisk
  • pot

Directions

  1. Cook orzo in pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally.
  2. Drain. Rinse under cold water until cool.
  3. Drain well.
  4. Transfer to large bowl.
  5. Whisk lemon juice, 5 teaspoons marjoram, mustard, and lemon peel in small bowl.
  6. Whisk in olive oil. Set aside 2 tablespoons vinaigrette.
  7. Add remaining vinaigrette, cheese, onions, and olives to orzo; toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and let stand 2 hours to allow flavors to develop. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate salad and remaining vinaigrette separately.)
  8. Toss tomatoes with reserved vinaigrette. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  9. Mix tomatoes into orzo.
  10. Sprinkle orzo with remaining 1 teaspoon marjoram and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories353kcal
Protein14.15%
Fat31.33%
Carbs54.52%

Properties

Glycemic Index
20.63
Glycemic Load
17.39
Inflammation Score
-6
Nutrition Score
14.896521796351%

Flavonoids

Eriodictyol
0.37mg
Hesperetin
1.1mg
Naringenin
0.11mg
Apigenin
0.17mg
Luteolin
0.12mg
Kaempferol
0.07mg
Myricetin
0.02mg
Quercetin
1.1mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:353.32kcal
17.67%
Fat:12.39g
19.06%
Saturated Fat:4.64g
28.98%
Carbohydrates:48.52g
16.17%
Net Carbohydrates:45.28g
16.46%
Sugar:4.07g
4.52%
Cholesterol:25.03mg
8.34%
Sodium:625.04mg
27.18%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:12.59g
25.18%
Selenium:41.52µg
59.31%
Manganese:0.64mg
31.79%
Vitamin C:23.62mg
28.63%
Phosphorus:231.48mg
23.15%
Vitamin B2:0.3mg
17.53%
Calcium:174.43mg
17.44%
Vitamin K:15.39µg
14.66%
Vitamin B6:0.28mg
14.03%
Copper:0.26mg
13.2%
Vitamin A:654.43IU
13.09%
Fiber:3.24g
12.97%
Magnesium:47.54mg
11.88%
Zinc:1.77mg
11.83%
Vitamin E:1.67mg
11.11%
Potassium:361.24mg
10.32%
Iron:1.72mg
9.53%
Vitamin B1:0.14mg
9.18%
Vitamin B3:1.78mg
8.91%
Folate:35.49µg
8.87%
Vitamin B12:0.48µg
7.92%
Vitamin B5:0.65mg
6.52%
Source:Epicurious