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.
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.
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.
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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.
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
Course: Salads, Side DishCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes10
minutes260
kcal25
minutesMediterranean 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.
