Description
Orzo Salad Recipe is a fresh and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish packed with tender orzo pasta, crisp vegetables, creamy feta cheese, herbs, and a bright homemade dressing. This easy cold salad is perfect for summer lunches, picnics, BBQs, meal prep, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Orzo Salad
- 2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Lemon Herb Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Additions
- Grilled chicken
- Chickpeas
- Avocado
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Toasted pine nuts
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the orzo cooks, chop tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and fresh herbs.
- Make the dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Combine the salad: Add cooled orzo, vegetables, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and basil to a large bowl.
- Add the dressing: Pour the lemon herb dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is coated.
- Chill the salad: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
- Serve and enjoy: Toss once more before serving and garnish with extra herbs, feta, or lemon slices if desired.
Notes
For the best flavor, prepare this orzo salad a few hours ahead and let it chill before serving. If making ahead, add fresh herbs and avocado just before serving. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: orzo salad recipe, Mediterranean orzo salad, summer pasta salad, lemon herb salad, feta orzo salad, easy cold salad, fresh meal recipe