Mediterranean Orzo Salad

$- 1 cup orzo pasta - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste When making Mediterranean Orzo Salad, you want fresh and vibrant ingredients. Start with orzo pasta. This little pasta cooks up to a soft, chewy texture. It serves as a great base for the salad. Next, you need fresh vegetables. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness. Cucumbers bring a nice crunch. Red onions add a sharp bite. Kalamata olives add a wonderful briny flavor. They’re essential for that Mediterranean touch. Feta cheese gives the salad creaminess and tang. It blends perfectly with the other flavors. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. It also brightens the overall taste of the dish. For the dressing, you need olive oil and lemon juice. Olive oil adds richness, while lemon juice provides brightness. Dried oregano brings an earthy aroma. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all those flavors. Together, these ingredients create a salad that is colorful, tasty, and full of life. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rapid boil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the boiling water. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to keep it from sticking. When the orzo is tender, drain it in a colander. Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the orzo firm and fresh. Grab a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled orzo pasta to the bowl. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced cucumber, 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup of halved Kalamata olives. These fresh veggies add color and crunch. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and some salt and pepper. This creates a bright dressing that brings everything together. Now, pour the dressing over the orzo and vegetable mixture. Toss everything gently to coat the ingredients well. Next, add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Give the salad one final gentle toss. This will mix in the creamy feta and fresh parsley. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully before serving. To cook orzo pasta, use a large pot with boiling salted water. The ideal cooking time is about 8-10 minutes. Check the package for specific times. Once the orzo is tender, drain it in a colander. Rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or mint. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper for heat. When mixing ingredients, add the dressing right before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. Toss gently to avoid breaking the feta cheese. Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl for a beautiful display. Garnish with extra feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for shine. Arrange the tomatoes and cucumbers in a colorful pattern. This highlights freshness and makes your dish more inviting. Pro Tips Cook Orzo Al Dente: To achieve the perfect texture, cook the orzo just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb moisture from the dressing while sitting. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or artichokes for added flavor and nutrition. This salad is versatile! Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or dill can elevate the salad’s flavor profile. Experiment with your favorite herbs for a personal touch. Chill Before Serving: For the best taste, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. {{image_2}} You can make this Mediterranean Orzo Salad even more fun by swapping some ingredients. - Adding different vegetables: Try bell peppers, artichokes, or even roasted zucchini. Each adds its own flavor and texture. - Using different cheese options: If feta isn’t your favorite, use goat cheese or mozzarella. Both melt into the salad beautifully. Some people have special diets. This salad can fit those needs too. - Gluten-free options: Replace orzo with quinoa or rice. Both keep the salad light and tasty. - Vegan alternatives: You can skip the cheese or use a vegan feta. Just as delicious and still creamy! You can change this salad with the seasons. Fresh flavors make it exciting year-round. - Summer additions with fresh produce: In summer, add fresh peaches or corn. They bring sweetness and crunch. - Winter tweaks for heartier flavors: In winter, toss in roasted root veggies or chickpeas. They add warmth and filling goodness. To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the flavors may fade, and the veggies might get soggy. I do not recommend freezing orzo salad. Freezing can change the texture of the pasta and veggies. However, if you must freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. To retain flavor, try to eat it within a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I often prepare it a few hours in advance. This allows the flavors to blend well. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes. Options like couscous or quinoa work well, too. These choices give a different texture but keep the salad fresh and tasty. This salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you notice any changes in smell or color, it's best to toss it. Absolutely! Adding protein boosts the meal's nutrition. You can mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Each option adds great flavor and makes the salad more filling. The Mediterranean Orzo Salad is fresh and easy to make. You learned about the key ingredients, from orzo pasta to vibrant veggies, feta cheese, and olives. The step-by-step guide helped you cook orzo perfectly and combine it with flavorful dressing. With tips on swaps, storage, and serving, you can customize the salad to fit your needs. This dish is a great way to enjoy seasonal produce and share a healthy meal. Dive into your kitchen and create a delightful orzo salad that everyone will love!$

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

A refreshing salad featuring orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, perfect for a light meal or side dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Course Salad

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup cucumber, diced
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
0.25 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
0.25 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Begin by cooking the orzo pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss gently until everything is well combined.
Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley, and give the salad one final gentle toss.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.
Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld before serving.

Notes

Serve in a large, shallow bowl, garnished with extra feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for added shine and flavor.

Keyword feta, Mediterranean, orzo, salad, vegetarian