|

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Bysophie

Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a bright, fresh, and colorful pasta salad made with orzo, a tiny rice-shaped pasta that is actually made from wheat. Even though it looks like rice, orzo cooks like pasta and becomes soft and tender while soaking up lots of delicious flavor. This salad is inspired by Mediterranean-style eating, which focuses on simple ingredients like olive oil, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a little bit of cheese. The flavors are clean, fresh, and not heavy, making it a dish that feels light but still filling enough to enjoy as a meal or a side dish.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

What makes Mediterranean Orzo Salad so special is how everything works together. The pasta gives it a comforting base, while crunchy vegetables add freshness and color. Olives bring a salty bite, herbs add brightness, and the dressing ties everything together with a tangy, lemony flavor. It is easy to make, easy to eat, and perfect for warm days, lunchboxes, picnics, or family dinners. Even kids enjoy it because the flavors are gentle and familiar, not spicy or overwhelming.

You Should Try Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a recipe you should try because it is simple, flexible, and full of flavor without being complicated. You do not need fancy cooking skills to make it, and it comes together using basic ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. It is also a great recipe for beginners, because it teaches you how to cook pasta, chop vegetables, and mix a simple dressing all in one dish. Once you learn this recipe, you can easily change it by adding your favorite ingredients.

Another reason to try this salad is that it works for many occasions. You can serve it as a side dish with dinner, pack it for lunch, or bring it to a party or potluck. It tastes good cold or at room temperature, which makes it very convenient. Mediterranean Orzo Salad is also a smart choice when you want something that feels healthy but still tastes fun and satisfying.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients you’ll need for Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Here is everything you need to make Mediterranean Orzo Salad:

  • Orzo pasta
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Red onion
  • Kalamata olives
  • Feta cheese
  • Fresh parsley
  • Fresh basil
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

How to Make Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Step 1

Start by cooking the orzo pasta in a medium pot of salted boiling water. Stir it gently so it does not stick together, and cook until it is tender but still slightly firm. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain well so the salad does not become watery, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.

Step 2

While the orzo is cooking and cooling, prepare the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber into small bite-sized pieces, and finely chop the red onion. Cut the olives into slices or halves, depending on your preference. Chop the fresh parsley and basil into small pieces. Taking your time to cut everything evenly helps the salad look nicer and makes sure every bite has a little bit of everything.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Step 3

Next, make the dressing in a small bowl or jar. Add olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper. Whisk or shake the dressing until it looks smooth and well mixed. The dressing should taste bright and slightly tangy, not too salty. You can always adjust the seasoning later after mixing the salad.

Step 4

Add the chopped vegetables and herbs to the bowl with the orzo. Pour the dressing over the top and gently mix everything together using a large spoon. Stir slowly so you do not break the pasta or crush the vegetables. This step is important because it helps the orzo soak up the dressing evenly.

Step 5

Finally, crumble the feta cheese over the salad and give it one last gentle mix. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Let the salad rest for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend together nicely. This resting time makes the salad taste even better.

You can add this post to your favorite Pinterest board!

Kitchen equipment you will need :

Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:

  • Medium pot for cooking orzo
  • Colander or strainer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl or jar for dressing
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or large mixing spoon

Tips and Variation Ideas

One helpful tip is to slightly undercook the orzo, because it will continue to soften as it absorbs the dressing. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy. Another good tip is to let the orzo cool before adding the vegetables, especially the cheese, so everything stays fresh and crisp.

If you are short on time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or bottled lemon juice, although fresh ingredients will always taste best. You can also make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it. This saves time when you want to put the salad together quickly.

For extra protein, you can add cooked chicken, chickpeas, or tuna. If you want more crunch, try adding chopped bell peppers or toasted pine nuts. This recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to adjust it to your taste.

What can I serve with this Mediterranean Orzo Salad ?

I often serve this Mediterranean Orzo Salad with a selection of delicious drinks like fruit juice or Smoothie, and I also serve it as a side dish. I also like to serve some desserts immediately after we finish eating this salad, such as cake or cupcakes.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Commonly Asked Questions

How long does Mediterranean Orzo Salad last in the fridge ?

It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.

What protein can I add to this salad ?

Grilled chicken, chickpeas, tuna, shrimp, or white beans work very well.

Can I use whole wheat orzo ?

Yes, whole wheat orzo is a great option and adds extra fiber.

Can I freeze Mediterranean Orzo Salad ?

Freezing is not recommended because the pasta and vegetables may become mushy.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Print

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Recipe by sophieCourse: Salads, Side DishCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

260

kcal
Total time

25

minutes

Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a fresh and colorful pasta salad made with tender orzo, crunchy vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and a light lemon-olive oil dressing. It is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for lunches, picnics, or as a side dish for dinner.

Ingredients

  • Orzo pasta

  • Cherry tomatoes

  • Cucumber

  • Red onion

  • Kalamata olives

  • Feta cheese

  • Fresh parsley

  • Fresh basil

  • Olive oil

  • Fresh lemon juice

  • Garlic

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

Directions

  • Start by cooking the orzo pasta in a medium pot of salted boiling water. Stir it gently so it does not stick together, and cook until it is tender but still slightly firm. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain well so the salad does not become watery, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
  • While the orzo is cooking and cooling, prepare the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber into small bite-sized pieces, and finely chop the red onion. Cut the olives into slices or halves, depending on your preference. Chop the fresh parsley and basil into small pieces. Taking your time to cut everything evenly helps the salad look nicer and makes sure every bite has a little bit of everything.
  • Next, make the dressing in a small bowl or jar. Add olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper. Whisk or shake the dressing until it looks smooth and well mixed. The dressing should taste bright and slightly tangy, not too salty. You can always adjust the seasoning later after mixing the salad.
  • Add the chopped vegetables and herbs to the bowl with the orzo. Pour the dressing over the top and gently mix everything together using a large spoon. Stir slowly so you do not break the pasta or crush the vegetables. This step is important because it helps the orzo soak up the dressing evenly.
  • Finally, crumble the feta cheese over the salad and give it one last gentle mix. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Let the salad rest for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend together nicely. This resting time makes the salad taste even better.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the orzo; keep it slightly firm so it holds its shape in the salad.
  • Let the orzo cool before adding vegetables to keep them crisp and fresh.
  • Use high-quality olive oil for the best taste.
  • For extra crunch, add bell peppers or toasted nuts just before serving.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE…

Lemon Orzo
One Pan Chicken Meatballs with Orzo
Shrimp Scampi Orzo
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

    Similar Posts

    • |

      Pressure Cooker Potato Salad

      Bysophie

      Pressure Cooker Potato Salad is a quick, creamy, and comforting side dish made by cooking potatoes in a pressure cooker instead of boiling them on the stove. A pressure cooker uses steam and pressure to cook food faster, which means your potatoes become perfectly tender in a fraction of the time. This method also helps the potatoes keep their shape and flavor, so they don’t turn mushy or watery. Once cooked, the potatoes are mixed with simple ingredients like mayonnaise, mustard, and crunchy vegetables to create a classic potato salad that everyone loves.

    • Waldorf Salad

      Bysophie

      Waldorf Salad is a classic, fresh, and crunchy dish that was first created in the late 1800s at the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Even though it sounds fancy, this salad is actually very simple and fun to make. At its core, Waldorf Salad is a mix of crisp apples, crunchy celery, juicy…

    • |

      German Cucumber Salad Recipe

      Bysophie

      German Cucumber Salad, also known as Gurkensalat in Germany, is a fresh, creamy, and slightly tangy salad made mostly with thinly sliced cucumbers. It is a very popular side dish in Germany and is often served with meats, potatoes, or simple bread meals. The salad usually has a light dressing made from sour cream or vinegar, fresh dill, onions, salt, and a little sugar. It tastes cool and refreshing, which makes it perfect for warm days.

    • |

      Cheesy Garlic Bread

      Bysophie

      Cheesy Garlic Bread is a warm, crispy, and buttery bread topped with melted cheese and flavorful garlic. It starts with a loaf of bread usually French bread or a baguette that is sliced open, spread with a garlic butter mixture, and covered with cheese before being baked until golden and bubbly. When it comes out of the oven, it smells amazing and tastes even better. The outside is lightly crisp, the inside stays soft, and the cheese melts into every little crack of the bread.

    • Lyonnaise Potatoes

      Bysophie

      Lyonnaise Potatoes are a classic potato dish made with sliced potatoes and onions that are cooked until golden, tender, and slightly crispy. The potatoes are usually pan-fried or sautéed, then mixed with soft, sweet onions and finished with a little butter and herbs. The outside becomes nicely browned while the inside stays soft and fluffy. This dish is simple, comforting, and full of flavor without using complicated ingredients.

    • |

      Texas Roadhouse Rolls

      Bysophie

      Texas Roadhouse Rolls are soft, fluffy dinner rolls that many people fall in love with the first time they try them. They are slightly sweet, super buttery, and so warm and cozy that they almost melt in your mouth. These rolls are famous because they are served fresh and warm at Texas Roadhouse restaurants, usually with a yummy cinnamon honey butter on the side. Kids love them, grown-ups love them, and they often disappear from the table faster than anything else!