This colorful Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is packed with fresh veggies, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing. It’s light, bright, and full of flavor!
Making this salad is a breeze—just cook the orzo, chop your favorite veggies, and mix everything together. I love it for lunch or as a side at dinners! 🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly. If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta types like couscous, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness to the salad. If they’re out of season, substitute with canned diced tomatoes, but be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Cucumber: A cool crunch from cucumbers is key. If you prefer a bit more flavor, try using a diced avocado instead for creaminess, or zucchini for a light touch.
Black Olives: Kalamata olives give a briny flavor. If you can’t find them, green olives work too, or you can leave them out if you want a milder taste.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a creamy texture and tangy taste. If you’re vegan, opt for a dairy-free feta or use nuts like cashews blended with lemon juice for a creamy alternative.
How Do I Prepare the Dressing Just Right?
The dressing is simple, but it plays a big role in flavoring your salad. Here’s how to make it perfectly balanced:
- Start with a good quality olive oil for smoothness and richness.
- Use red wine vinegar for acidity; it balances the oil. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavor.
- Whisk together these ingredients thoroughly to emulsify; this means mixing them well until they blend together into a smooth mix.
- Add salt and pepper to taste—start with a little, and taste as you go! Adjust it to your liking.
Taking a moment to get this dressing right really makes a difference in the salad!
How to Make Easy Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an optional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. This allows the flavors to mix beautifully, but you can also serve it right away if you’re in a hurry!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Orzo Pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Once done, drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. This will stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and chopped parsley. Stir gently to combine everything evenly without smashing the ingredients.
3. Whisk Together the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is mixed well, creating a lovely, flavorful dressing.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss it all together until everything is well coated with the dressing. This helps to enhance the flavors of the salad and gives it a delicious taste.
5. Add Feta Cheese:
Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. Be careful not to crush it too much; you want those lovely crumbles to remain intact for an extra burst of flavor and creaminess!
6. Serving:
Your Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is ready to enjoy! You can serve it immediately, or for an even tastier dish, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant salad!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Orzo Instead of Regular Orzo?
Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo is a great substitute and will add a nutty flavor as well as extra fiber. Just be aware that it may take a couple of extra minutes to cook, so check the package instructions for the best cooking time.
What Can I Substitute for Kalamata Olives?
If you don’t have Kalamata olives on hand, green olives make a good substitute. You can also omit olives altogether if you’d prefer a different flavor profile or if you want to keep the salad lighter. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve as the salad sits, so give it a good stir before serving again! If the salad seems a bit dry after a day, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to freshen it up.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Of course! This salad is very versatile. You can add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or artichokes. Just make sure to chop any larger veggies into bite-sized pieces so they mix well with the orzo and other ingredients.
