If you’re looking for a vibrant side that truly steals the show, this Orzo Pasta Salad is the answer. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of tender orzo pasta, juicy vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta, all tied together with a zesty homemade dressing. Each bite is a burst of freshness perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or quick lunches. Whether you’re serving it freshly made or from the fridge, this colorful Orzo Pasta Salad is guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in the simple yet essential ingredients, each one bringing its own special character to this lively salad. Every component has a purpose, from boosting flavor and texture to adding a pop of color.
- Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta is the star of the salad, giving it a wonderfully chewy, delicate texture.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their burst of juiciness and sweetness plays perfectly against the savory elements.
- Cucumber: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that brings the whole dish to life.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped for a gentle bite and a dash of color without overpowering the salad.
- Kalamata Olives: Provide a briny, salty punch that’s quintessentially Mediterranean.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy, and just salty enough to tie everything together.
- Fresh Parsley: Brings an herbaceous brightness that lightens up the entire salad.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The silky base for a flavorful, classic dressing.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Delivers acidity and a slight tang that wakes up the flavors.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy note and enhances everything else in the salad.
- Dried Oregano: A hint of classic Mediterranean earthiness rounds out the dressing.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance—taste and adjust as you go.
How to Make Orzo Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil, then add your orzo pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but still with a bit of bite. Once it’s done, drain and rinse the orzo with cold water. This not only stops the cooking process but also keeps the pasta from sticking together, ensuring that every grain stays fluffy and separate in your Orzo Pasta Salad.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Mix-Ins
While your orzo is cooling, chop up your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives. Crumble your feta if it’s not already done. This step is where all the color and crunch come into play, preparing a gorgeous base for your salad that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, and chopped parsley. Gently toss everything together so that each forkful will get a balanced mix of textures and flavors. This is when the Orzo Pasta Salad really starts to look irresistible.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. The dressing should come together quickly and emulsify into a simple, zesty concoction that’s the perfect match for your fresh ingredients.
Step 5: Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything until it’s evenly coated. The vibrant flavors need a little time to mingle, so pop the salad into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling not only deepens the flavors but also makes the Orzo Pasta Salad extra refreshing when served.
How to Serve Orzo Pasta Salad
Garnishes
Add a flourish before serving: a sprinkle of extra parsley, a few more crumbles of feta, or a grind of black pepper takes the Orzo Pasta Salad from delicious to absolutely stunning. A wedge of lemon on the side for fresh squeezing is always welcome, too.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a side with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb, but it also fits well with simple veggie skewers or a mezze platter. The light, lively Mediterranean flavors make it a flexible addition to many meals, especially when you want something cool and satisfying alongside richer mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For picnics or parties, try serving Orzo Pasta Salad in mason jars or individual bowls layered for a beautiful look. Skewer extra veggies and cheese cubes and perch them on top of each salad serving for easy, elegant presentation. No matter how you serve it, those bright colors will tempt everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Orzo Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, and the flavors often become even more blended and delicious over time. Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze this salad; the fresh vegetables and feta can turn watery or lose their texture after thawing, which isn’t ideal for a salad that thrives on its freshness and crunch. For best results, make just enough for a few days and enjoy it at its peak.
Reheating
Orzo Pasta Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s been in the fridge, simply let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving to take off the chill. If needed, add a splash more olive oil or lemon juice to revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make Orzo Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is actually best made a few hours ahead so the flavors have a chance to meld together. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve; it’s a fantastic dish for meal prep and entertaining alike.
How do I make this salad vegan?
Simply swap the feta cheese for your favorite dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely. Everything else in this Orzo Pasta Salad is naturally vegan, so it’s wonderfully easy to adapt.
What can I add for extra protein?
For a more substantial meal, toss in cooked chickpeas, grilled chicken, or even some flaked canned tuna. These protein additions pair beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors without overpowering the salad.
Can I substitute other vegetables?
Definitely! Orzo Pasta Salad is super flexible. Try diced bell peppers, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or baby spinach for a different twist. Don’t be afraid to use what’s in season or whatever you have on hand.
Is gluten-free orzo an option?
Yes, you can find gluten-free orzo in many supermarkets these days. Just cook it according to the package instructions and proceed with the recipe as written for a gluten-free crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a celebration of Mediterranean flavors all in one bowl, you absolutely need to try this Orzo Pasta Salad. It’s colorful, satisfying, and endlessly versatile—not to mention a total crowd favorite. Once you share it, don’t be surprised if everyone asks for your recipe!
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Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Orzo Pasta Salad is a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal. With a mix of orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, it’s a flavorful and satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
Orzo Pasta:
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional:
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, feta, and parsley.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added protein, toss in chickpeas or grilled chicken.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and is great for picnics or meal prep.
- Substitute feta with dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
