Imagine a dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer in every single bite - our Grilled Peaches and Orzo Salad is that magical culinary creation! This isn't just another boring salad; it's a vibrant, mouthwatering symphony of sweet grilled peaches, perfectly cooked orzo, tangy feta, and fresh basil that will transport you to a sun-drenched Mediterranean terrace. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet lunch, this recipe promises to elevate your summer dining experience with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the peaches. Wash and halve the ripe peaches, removing the pits carefully.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the peach halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season lightly with salt.
- Place peach halves cut-side down on the hot grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes until nice grill marks appear and the peaches are slightly softened.
- Remove pasta from boiling water, drain thoroughly, and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Chop the grilled peaches into bite-sized chunks and add them to the orzo.
- In a small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to create a light dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo and peaches. Gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil over the salad.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm peaches for grilling - they should yield slightly when gently pressed but not be mushy.
- For extra flavor, try using a cast-iron grill pan to get those beautiful char marks on the peaches.
- Rinse the orzo with cold water to stop cooking and prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to meld together.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
- If you don't have a grill, you can roast peaches in a 400°F oven for similar caramelized results.
- Use fresh basil right before serving to maintain its bright, aromatic flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
