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Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese
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5 from 2 votes

Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese

Change up your pasta salad with this Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese.  Packed with vegetables and a zesty Italian dressing, this pasta salad does not disappoint. #pasta #orzo #salad #pastasalad #vegetables #OurFamilyTable #homemade

Ingredients

  • 8 oz uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cucumber, seeded and diced
  • 1 pint (2 cups) grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2/3 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Also will need the following for the dressing

  • 2 tbsp dry mix of Zesty Italian dressing, see below for big batch mix of this dressing
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
  • 2/3 cup light olive oil
  • sprinkling of fresh lemon juice

Dry Ingredients for Zesty Italian Dressing (for multiple uses)

  • 2 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp dried basil leaves
  • 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

You will only use 2 tablespoons of this mix for each batch of dressing you want to make. Store the remaining mix in an airtight container.

Instructions

  • Cook orzo according to box instructions, drain, rinse with cold water, drain again, and let cool.
  • Add orzo and the diced vegetables together in a large mixing bowl. Combine.
  • ONLY use 2 tablespoons of the dry mix for the zesty Italian dressing. Place the 2 tablespoons of dry dressing mix in a small bowl along with 2 tablespoons water, 1/4 cup white vinegar (or white wine vinegar), 2/3 cup oil light olive oil and a sprinkling of lemon juice. Whisk to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve, or use immediately.
  • Once you are ready to add the dressing, top the pasta salad with the feta cheese and then drizzle over the dressing and stir to combine. Refrigerate until chilled and add more dressing as needed.

Notes

If you want to serve the next day, make according to directions BUT reserve the feta cheese and add this just before serving.
 
Zesty Italian Dressing mix adapted from Just a Pinch