Did you know that our US Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day? It’s observed the last Monday in May, and honors men and women who died during service to our country.
It’s also the unofficial start to the summer season, and many of us are heading to barbeques with family and friends this afternoon. Are you still wondering what you’re going to contribute to the feast? How about this delicious Confetti Greek Pasta Salad? My neighbor shared the recipe with me, and I served it to a friend this week:
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 6 T olive oil
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 1 small clove garlic, crushed
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salad:
- 2 cups uncooked orzo (1 lb. box)
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 sweet red pepper, diced
- 1 sweet yellow pepper, diced
- 1/2 European cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
- 1 4 oz pkg feta (I used the Mediterranean mix, with black pepper)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion (optional)
- Directions:
- mix dressing
- cook pasta, rinse with cold water and set aside to cool
- mix remaining ingredients, add orzo and mix with dressing
Yum! If you’re looking for protein, you can make this a full meal by adding cold grilled chicken. We had it outside for lunch with baguette; it would also be a nice option at a brunch buffet.
Literary reference? When my girlfriend was over for lunch this week we talked about her current book club pick (A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel) and future books for our groups (The Pilot’s Wife for her group, and Resistance for mine … finally I’ll read a book for the WWII Challenge!)
What’s your favorite take-along dish to share?
This looks wonderful! I like the new header too!
I’ll definitely be trying this one. Love your new look!!
This sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it out sometime soon
Very pretty and very easy!
Oh this looks so colorful and delicious! I will have to add it to my summertime recipes.
Mmm, this looks delicious! Definitely one for the bookmarks.
Oh my gosh! That looks fabulous! I’m printing out the recipe.
This is remarkably like one of my favorite go-to salads. Mine has lentils and rice instead of pasta, and no lettuce. The dressing is quite similar. Yum.
I always take a 7 layer salad that someone turned me on to a few years ago. Your salad looks fab though and would “keep” better in warm weather.
Looks totally yummy! And I love the new header- so cute!
What a nice, quick recipe! How did you know I was craving Greek food?
This looks great and we actually have almost all the ingredients for it (need to buy a lemon and some new kalamata olives, the ones we have are a little too strong and wrinkly).
Mmmm, your pictures are so appealing.
If we have to bring a dish, it is usually my husband who uses his imagination – but perhaps I should show him your recipé
All I can say is Yum Yum!
Wow.. that looks delicious.. Thank you!
Yummy!!! I like anything to do with Greek Salads. I’m definitely going to have to try this one out. Hope you’re having a wonderful Memorial Day!
Hey Dawn, I made this tonight to have with our BBQ and it was a big hit. The only thing I changed was that I added one chopped tomato (because Greek salad needs tomato), and omitted the carrot (because I didn’t have any after all). Thanks for the recipe!
I’m printing out the recipe now…I can’t wait to try it!
I have a few favorite take along dishes. My hubby (an amazing cook) makes them both. One is jerk chicken made from Jamaican jerk seasoning and the other is his homemade macaroni and cheese. They are two dishes that people beg for when they hear we’re bringing food!
Yum yum!
Thanks for another great recipe. Have a great week.
to all – I’m glad this looks as appealing to you as it did to me … it sure is tasty (and easy, and colorful … and can be doubled to feed a crowd)
Ali – I’m impressed that you made it so quickly; I like the changes/improvisation you made.
Wordlily – making this with lentils would probably be healthier, too!
Thanks to everyone who gave me more ideas by sharing your fave summer side dishes. ‘Tis the season!!
Wow, looks great!
Hey I almost didn’t know where I was.. I love the new look! Very clean and bright!
This salad looks amazing! I am going to grab this recipe and bring it to the next bbq I attend. Thanks!!
Yum…I wanna come to your house for lunch!
WOW! That sounds amazing. Will have to try it out when I get home.
To all – I picked up a new-to-me cookbook at BEA from Workman. It’s called “What to Bring” and has lots of great ideas for sides and salads as well as take-along casseroles and desserts. I’ll be sharing recipes as I review this new one!
softdrink – that would be a fun lunch; we could write parody lyrics after we eat!