When Brookfield City Lifestyle publisher Jessica Opat served this Mediterranean orzo salad at a recent gathering, it quickly became the recipe everyone was asking about. Fresh, colorful, and packed with bright Mediterranean flavors, it was an instant crowd favorite—and she knew we had to share it with our readers. Our team paired it with a refreshing limoncello spritz and happily put both recipes to the test. The verdict? This duo is the perfect way to savor the final weeks of summer, whether you're hosting friends, heading to a Labor Day cookout, or enjoying a relaxing meal on the patio.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Serves 12
This Mediterranean orzo salad combines crisp vegetables, fresh spinach, briny olives, and tangy feta for a flavorful dish that's perfect for meal prep or as a fresh side salad.
Pasta Salad:
16 oz. orzo
3 cups baby spinach leaves, gently torn into large pieces
1 ½ chopped red bell pepper, about one red bell pepper
1 cup cucumber, diced and seeded, about one medium
¾ cup red onion, diced
5 oz. Castelvetrano green olives, drained and halved
5 oz. Kalamata pitted olives, drained and halved
7 oz. feta cheese
Dressing:
½ cup canola oil
¼ cup olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 ½ tsp. oregano
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, season with salt, and cook the orzo for 10 minutes. Drain, rinse, and set aside to cool.
2. Transfer the cooled orzo to a large mixing bowl. Add the spinach, chopped vegetables, and olives, then crumble half of the feta cheese over the pasta.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the canola oil, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano and salt and pepper until mixed. Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and gently fold until the pasta and veggies are coated. Taste for seasoning and top with the remaining feta cheese.
4. Refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight before serving.
Storage: The pasta salad is best within 2-3 days but will last in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
Recipe by Heidi Larsen of FoodieCrush. Reprinted with permission.
Limoncello Spritz with Prosecco
Serves 1
This refreshing Limoncello Spritz combines limoncello, prosecco, and soda water for a light, bubbly cocktail that's simple to make. Bright, citrusy, and effortlessly elegant, it's the perfect drink for entertaining or relaxing on a warm evening.
Ingredients
3 oz. prosecco dry or brut
2 oz. limoncello chilled
1 oz. soda water or sparkling water
Garnish: lemon slices or lemon wheels, fresh mint, or basil
Instructions
1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the prosecco first.
4. Add the chilled limoncello.
5. Top with soda water.
6. Gently stir to combine.
7. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint or basil. Serve immediately.
Notes:
Always add prosecco first, then limoncello, then soda water.
Use plenty of ice so the drink stays cold without becoming watery.
Chill everything ahead of time for the best flavor.
Recipe courtesy of SavoringItaly.com.