Craving Italian-inspired cuisine? Look no further than this delicious and healthy Orzo Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Capers! This Mediterranean-style dinner is sure to tantalize your taste buds - it's the perfect way to bring a little bit of Greece right into your own kitchen.
Orzo pasta has been popular in Italian and Greek cuisine for centuries, and it's packed with vital nutrients for an extra health boost. With tomatoes and capers for flavor, you won't be disappointed in this easy-to-make, delicious, and nutritious
meal that will make any dinner a hit!
Orzo Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Capers is truly special! This Italian- and Greek-inspired dish is an incredibly flavorful and protein-filled way to bring the best of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. Orzo pasta, capers, tomatoes, olives, red onions, parsley, and feta cheese come together in a savory combination that will leave your family in awe! It's also perfect for special occasions, because not only is this healthy recipe delicious - it looks beautiful too! Best of all, it can be served both hot and cold. Try some tonight and make it a regular on your at home menus!
This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes (includes time to cook orzo)
Serves: 4
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Ingredients needed to make Orzo Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Capers
- 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 large (or 2 medium) tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- 1½ c. orzo pasta, cooked according to package directions
- 2 T. capers
- 1 T. caper liquid
- 1 T. fresh lemon juice
- 1 T. fresh thyme leaves
1 T. fresh parsley, chopped - Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions for making Orzo Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Capers
- Add olive oil and minced garlic to a skillet set over medium heat. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or just until the garlic starts to develop some color.
- Add tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or just until tomatoes become soft. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, capers and liquid, lemon juice, thyme, and parsley with the warm tomato and garlic mixture. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight. Stir and serve chilled with grilled chicken breasts or your favorite entrée of choice. Enjoy!
What is Orzo Pasta
Orzo pasta is a special kind of Italian pasta that originates in Greece. It has a great appeal to it, both aesthetically and in terms of the extra nutrition it offers. As a type of pasta, it is very versatile - you can use it in a variety of recipes, from salads to casseroles. Orzo is also a high source of protein and fiber, making it an ideal choice for healthy dinners. Adding this special pasta to your Mediterranean-inspired dishes will not only help you meet your nutrient goals, but will add Greek flavor to your plate as well!
Variations
Orzo Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Capers is a great, healthy recipe you can whip up for dinner. This traditional Italian dish offers variations to suit any palate. If you're in the mood for a Mediterranean spin, try adding feta cheese or olives - both are staples of Greek cuisine. As an alternative way to showcase the unique flavors of the Mediterranean, try adding red and green peppers for added zing. Or mix some chopped garlic with oregano and dill for an even more Greek-inspired flavor. Not only will your variations add interest to this traditional pasta salad recipe, but it makes for a more colorful and appetizing plate too!
Storage
If you're a fan of Italian and Greek flavors, then Orzo Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Capers is an ideal healthy dinner recipe for you. With storage being an important part of any successful meal, it's good to know that this Mediterranean-inspired dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Any leftovers can be enjoyed cold or reheated, giving your taste buds something to look forward to day after day! So go ahead and try this easy Greek pasta dish and store it with confidence - your stomach will thank you!
Top tip
If you're looking for a healthy, delicious dinner option with a hint of the Mediterranean, try making an Orzo Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Capers! This Italian and Greek-inspired dish is simple to make and packed full of flavors. The top tips for preparing this delightful entrée are using fresh tomatoes, adding enough garlic to give it that zesty kick, and making sure to use top-quality olive oil for maximum flavor. Don't forget about the capers either; but if you're pressed for time choose a jarred variety. And there you have it— everything you need to know in order to whip up the perfect Orzo Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Capers in no time. Enjoy!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Orzo Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Capers
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Orzo Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Capers is truly special! This Italian- and Greek-inspired dish is an incredibly flavorful and protein-filled way to bring the best of the Mediterranean to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 large (or 2 medium) tomato, seeded and chopped
1½ c. orzo pasta, cooked according to package directions
2 T. capers
1 T. caper liquid
1 T. fresh lemon juice
1 T. fresh thyme leaves
1 T. fresh parsley, chopped
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Add olive oil and minced garlic to a skillet set over medium heat. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or just until the garlic starts to develop some color.
-
Add tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or just until tomatoes become soft. Remove from heat and set aside.
-
In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, capers and liquid, lemon juice, thyme, and parsley with the warm tomato and garlic mixture. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight. Stir and serve chilled with grilled chicken breasts or your favorite entrée of choice. Enjoy!
Notes
This quick and easy chilled pasta salad is a great way to keep cool on a hot day. This delicious side dish tastes even better after the flavors have a chance to mingle, so make it a day or two in advance to take to your next picnic or casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 mins
