Description
This Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish packed with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty homemade dressing. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or a make-ahead meal for gatherings. The combination of orzo pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny olives, and fragrant herbs creates a well-balanced, flavor-packed salad that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the ultimate Mediterranean-inspired bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add the cooked and cooled orzo to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over the top. Toss gently to combine all ingredients and ensure the orzo is well coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, swap orzo for cooked quinoa or gluten-free pasta.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss before serving to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: orzo salad, Mediterranean salad, pasta salad, healthy salad, easy side dish, feta cheese, summer salad, fresh vegetable salad