Sunshine Orzo Salad with Grilled Halloumi
Sunshine Orzo Salad With Grilled Halloumi
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Craving sunshine on a plate? Heres my go-to cold summer pasta salad. It’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavour and cheesy happiness.
Brief Overview
This Mediterranean Orzo Salad transports you to a sun-drenched shore. It's easy to make, taking about an hour from start to finish. This recipe makes enough for six happy people.
Main Benefits
This vibrant salad is packed with nutrients. Think Mediterranean diet goodness in every bite. This summer salad recipes is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a light lunch.
Honestly, this is a simple and satisfying dish.
Craving that Mediterranean flavour? Think salty, briny olives, squeaky halloumi, and a tangy lemon herb vinaigrette . Honestly, what's not to love? You know?
Looking for summer recipe ideas ? This salad is your answer. It’s quick, easy, and totally customisable.
What Makes This Salad Special
Summer pasta recipes are all about ease and flavour. This one shines. It uses grilled halloumi, which adds a delicious salty, chewy element. It really elevates this cold pasta salad recipes .
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: a light, refreshing salad with the heartiness of pasta. You know, something a bit more substantial than just leaves.
It’s perfect as one of your salad recipes for dinner summer evenings. And hey, it's a fantastic option for picnic salad ideas !
Honestly, I started making this salad because I was tired of boring lunches. And trust me, it worked. It's become a family favourite.
Grab These Ingredients!
First up, you’ll need the Orzo. Make sure to follow the package directions. Seriously! Nothing worse than mushy pasta. Halloumi is next on the list, don't skip it.
The grill gives it the great texture.
Next you need the veggies! Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and Kalamata olives are all key. Fresh parsley and mint add that final touch of freshness.
And don't forget the ingredients for that bright and tangy Lemon Herb Vinaigrette ! It's a total game changer.
Ingredients & Equipment
So, fancy a trip to the Mediterranean? Me too! That’s why heresy my go-to cold summer pasta salad is a lifesaver.
It’s like sunshine on a plate. Super easy, even for my disastrous cooking days. Talking about Summer Salad Recipes , this one will be on repeat, trust me.
Main Players for this Summer Recipe Ideas
Alright, let's gather the troops!
- Orzo Pasta: 1 pound (450g) . Aim for good quality, not too starchy. It should bounce back after cooking.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (475ml) . Get the ripest, juiciest ones you can find. Halved, they're like little bombs of flavour.
- Cucumber: 1 English cucumber . Diced, of course! Adds a lovely crunch.
- Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup (75g) . Pitted and halved. The briny kick is essential.
- Halloumi Cheese: 4 ounces (115g) . Get the squeaky kind! Not too salty is the pro tip.
- Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup (15g) each of parsley and mint , chopped. Fresh is key!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) for grilling that lovely Halloumi Salad Recipe .
Zing it Up: Seasoning Notes for a Proper Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This ain't your average Cold Pasta Salad Recipes , this has zest!
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Extra virgin, always.
- Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons (45ml) . Freshly squeezed, obviously. None of that bottled stuff.
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds a nice tang.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy!
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon dried. The heart of the Mediterranean Summer Appetizer Recipes .
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
A pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy. Honestly, it's like a burst of sunshine, and this Lemon Herb Vinaigrette is magic! It can be ready for your next Picnic Salad Ideas .
Equipment: Keep It Simple
Honestly, you don't need fancy gear.
- Big pot: For the pasta, naturally.
- Colander: To drain the pasta.
- Grill pan: A regular pan works too.
- Large bowl: For mixing all that goodness.
- Whisk: For the vinaigrette. (Pro tip: A fork works just fine).
This Salad Recipes For Dinner Summer is a winner, even if you are a total disaster in the kitchen like I can be sometimes.
Cooking Method: Sunshine Orzo Salad with Grilled Halloumi & Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
Here's my go-to cold summer meal: a vibrant Sunshine Orzo Salad with Grilled Halloumi & Lemon Herb Vinaigrette . Honestly , this dish screams summer! It’s like a Mediterranean vacation on a plate.
Summer Salad Recipes don't get much better than this. Think squeaky halloumi, juicy tomatoes, and a zingy dressing.
Prep Steps: Get Your Mise En Place On!
First things first, you gotta get organized. This is called mise en place in fancy chef lingo. Basically, chop all your veggies (tomatoes, cucumber, olives) and herbs before you even think about turning on the stove.
Trust me, it'll save you so much time. Essential mise en place makes this recipe a breeze.
Got some extra time? Make the Lemon Herb Vinaigrette ahead of time. It keeps in the fridge for a few days and the flavours just get better.
Just give it a good whisk before using.
Step-by-Step: Orzo Salad Magic
- Cook the orzo : Follow the package directions. Cook until al dente which is slightly firm.
- Chill time : Drain the orzo. Rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking! Let it cool completely. Nobody wants a warm salad, you know?
- Vinaigrette time : Whisk together your oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust. More lemon if you like it tangy.
- Grill the halloumi : Brush halloumi with olive oil. Grill over medium high heat for 2- 3 minutes per side . It should be golden brown. Watch out so you dont overcook it.
- Mix it up : Combine orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, parsley, and mint in a bowl.
- Dress it up : Pour the vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently.
- Halloumi topping : Arrange the grilled halloumi on top.
- Eat : Serve right away, or chill for later.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Salad Success
- Shortcut Alert: Buy pre-pitted olives. Your fingers will thank you.
- Halloumi Hack: Don't overcrowd the grill. Grill halloumi in batches for perfect browning.
- Common Mistake: Overcooking the orzo. It should be slightly firm, not mushy.
Honestly, this Mediterranean Orzo Salad is so versatile. It's great as a light lunch or a side at your next BBQ.
Plus, it's easy to make and packed with flavour. I once took this to a picnic, and it was gone within minutes!
Recipe Notes
Sunshine Salad Serving Magic
Let's talk serving, yeah? Heres my go-to cold summer secret: presentation matters! Plating this Summer Salad Recipe is easy. Think bright! Pile it high on a platter.
A few extra sprigs of parsley are always a nice touch. I love serving it with grilled chicken or fish.
It also goes great with a crusty baguette and a crisp glass of white wine. Summer Recipe Ideas are endless.
Summer Pasta Recipes are my favorite.
It makes a fab Picnic Salad Idea , too! Pack it in a container. You’ll be the star of the picnic. Honestly, the squeaky halloumi adds something special.
Keeping Your Sunshine Salad Fresh
So, you've made a big batch? No worries! This salad keeps well. For refrigeration, store it in an airtight container.
It'll last up to 3 days . The flavors actually meld together more over time. But, the cucumbers might get a bit softer.
Freezing is not recommended. Pasta and cucumbers don't do well in the freezer. To reheat, just take it out of the fridge.
Let it sit for a few minutes. Toss before serving.
Remix Your Sunshine Salad
Wanna mix things up? Easy peasy. For a vegetarian or vegan version, skip the halloumi. Throw in some chickpeas for protein! For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the Lemon Herb Vinaigrette .
It’s a game changer. Swap the orzo for farfalle or ditalini. Works like a charm. Can't find halloumi? Crumbled feta is your friend, but don’t grill it .
This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is so flexible!
Nutritional Nitty Gritty
Okay, let's break down the basics. Each serving is around 450 calories. You're getting about 15g of protein, 25g of fat, and 45g of carbs.
It’s packed with good stuff. This salad offers a good dose of vitamins from the veggies. The olive oil provides healthy fats.
Salad Recipes For Dinner Summer should be nutritious and this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Also, using the Halloumi Salad Recipe helps meet your protein intake goals.
Sunshine Orzo Salad - Final Thoughts
There you have it! A super simple, super tasty salad. I promise, you'll be making this all summer long. It is a great Summer Appetizer Recipes choice too! Get creative, have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment.
You’ve totally got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make "Heres my go-to cold summer" Sunshine Orzo Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's often better the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits. Just be aware that the pasta might absorb some of the dressing, so you may want to add a little extra olive oil or lemon juice before serving to keep it nice and zesty.
Think of it like letting a good cuppa steep a bit longer for maximum flavor!
Halloumi isn't always easy to find. What's a good substitute for this "Heres my go-to cold summer" salad?
No worries if you can't find halloumi! Feta cheese is a great alternative. You'll get that lovely salty, tangy flavour. Just remember not to grill the feta; simply crumble it over the salad just before serving.
Alternatively, you could use grilled chicken or even some roasted chickpeas for a boost of protein and flavour!
How long does this Sunshine Orzo Salad last in the fridge?
This salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. The halloumi will soften a bit over time, but the flavour will still be fantastic. Just give it a good toss before serving and maybe add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up if needed.
A bit like reheating leftovers still tasty, just needs a little zhuzh!
I'm vegan. Can I still enjoy this "Heres my go-to cold summer" salad?
You bet! Simply omit the halloumi to make it vegan. To add some protein and substance, you can toss in a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or some grilled tofu. You could also add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavour and texture.
Think of it as customising your full English swapping out the sausage for some veggie goodness!
My orzo always seems to clump together. Any tips to prevent that when making "Heres my go-to cold summer"?
Clumpy orzo is a common problem! The key is to rinse the cooked orzo thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, toss it with a little olive oil before adding it to the rest of the salad. This helps prevent it from sticking together.
You can also chill the cooked orzo in the fridge for a bit before assembling the salad; this firms it up nicely, much like chilling pastry dough before baking!
Can I add other veggies to this Sunshine Orzo Salad recipe?
Absolutely! This salad is very adaptable. Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes are all great additions. If you're feeling adventurous, add some grilled courgette or aubergine.
It's all about using what's in season and what you enjoy a bit like jazzing up a basic jacket potato with your favourite fillings!
