Olive Salad Recipe with Feta, Peppers, and Orzo • Kath Eats

This olive salad recipe is brilliant and summery; full of salty olives, feta cheese, and contemporary parsley. Good for a picnic or straightforward summer time dinner!

We’re within the peak of potluck picnic season! I really like an all-in-one salad with veggies, a carbohydrate base, a lot of brilliant taste, and the power so as to add protein of your selection on high or serve it as a aspect to burgers and canine at a BBQ. When you’re in search of a simple summer time salad to convey to your subsequent cookout, this olive salad recipe is tremendous straightforward to assemble, chill, and transport.

Olive Salad Recipe

This vibrant olive salad is made with orzo, bell peppers, contemporary lemon, and salty feta. The orzo supplies a hearty base, whereas the crisp bell peppers add a satisfying crunch. I can’t get sufficient contemporary parsley in recipes, so be happy so as to add as a lot as you want! Together with the olives, it’s the important thing ingredient of this recipe.

As soon as the orzo is cooked, it’s a breeze to whip up, making it a favourite for busy weekdays, prep days, or last-minute gatherings. Plus, it’s versatile — serve it chilled as a refreshing summer time aspect or warmth it up when you’d like!

What are the most effective olives?

Olives are available quite a lot of colours and flavors, starting from inexperienced to black, relying on their ripeness and curing strategies. My all-time favourite olive is Kalamata, recognized for his or her wealthy, meaty texture and darkish purple hue. Castelvetrano, delicate and buttery inexperienced olives; and Niçoise, petite black olives with a barely bitter, briny style.

Enjoyable truth: I hated olives rising up as a result of the one ones I used to be uncovered to had been the boring black olives that are available a can. Now that I’ve found most of the extra scrumptious varieties at eating places, I really like them! (Locals: Lampo’s orange-y herb olives are my favourite!)

Elements

• 1 cup raw orzo – you may also use complete wheat orzo, quinoa, farro, or couscous for various textures and dietary profiles.
• 1 cup blended olives, pitted and roughly chopped – I like a mixture of inexperienced and Kalamata olives. You too can combine in capers or sun-dried tomatoes in case your retailer’s olive bar has any pre-mixed specials.
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (pink, yellow, or a mixture) – additionally think about roasted pink peppers, cherry tomatoes, or diced cucumber for a contemporary crunch.
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese – substitute goat cheese, ricotta salata, or a plant-based feta for a dairy-free choice.
• 1/4 cup contemporary parsley, chopped – and/or contemporary basil, cilantro, or spinach.

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup further virgin olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 massive lemon – you may also use white wine vinegar or lime juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced – sub in 1/2 tsp garlic powder if you would like much less aftertaste!
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to style – you may also add smoked paprika or crushed pink pepper flakes

Extra do-it-yourself salad dressing concepts right here!

Diet Highlights In This Olive Salad

• Coronary heart-Wholesome Fat: Olives and olive oil are wealthy in monounsaturated fat, significantly oleic acid, which can assist decrease unhealthy LDL ldl cholesterol and lift good HDL ldl cholesterol, supporting cardiovascular well being. (Cleveland Clinic)
• Antioxidants: Olives comprise vitamin E and polyphenols, highly effective antioxidants that defend cells from oxidative injury and should cut back the danger of coronary heart illness and most cancers.
• Fiber and Vitamins: Bell peppers contribute vitamin C and different important vitamins, whereas feta cheese supplies calcium and protein. Be happy to make use of complete wheat orzo and even quinoa or one other complete grain so as to add much more fiber.

How To Make Olive Salad

Step 1: Cook dinner the Orzo

Cook dinner orzo in accordance with package deal directions till al dente. Drain, rinse with chilly water to forestall sticking, and return to pot or a big mixing bowl.

Step 2: Put together the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk collectively olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Salt and pepper to style.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Mix the cooked orzo, olives, bell peppers, and parsley.

Step 4: Add the Dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to mix.

Step 5: Add Feta

Fold within the crumbled feta cheese.

Step 6: Chill

Cowl and refrigerate for no less than half-hour to permit the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Serve

Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Hope that your child may take one chunk!

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