This Easy Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a colorful dish full of fresh veggies, creamy feta, and zesty olives. It’s perfect as a side or light meal and full of yummy flavors!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This tiny rice-shaped pasta is the star here. If you can’t find orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes like farfalline or ditalini. Quinoa is another gluten-free option that works well too!
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness and color. If they’re out of season, grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes work in a pinch. Try to use juicy ones for more flavor!
Kalamata Olives: Their briny flavor adds a nice touch. If you don’t have them, green olives or black olives can be good substitutes, but the taste will vary slightly.
Feta Cheese: It brings creaminess and tang. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using crumbled tofu mixed with a little lemon juice. Other cheese types like goat cheese can also be delicious!
How Do I Make Sure My Orzo is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the orzo just right is key to this salad. Here are some tips!
- Use plenty of water and add salt for flavor.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check for doneness at the 7-minute mark—it should be al dente, still firm to the bite.
- Don’t forget to rinse it! This helps cool the pasta and prevents it from cooking further.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly cooked orzo for your salad!
Easy Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced into half moons
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad comes together pretty quickly. Expect about 10 minutes for prep time and 8 minutes to cook the orzo. After mixing, it’s best to chill it for at least 30 minutes. So overall, plan for about 50 minutes from start to finish—including chilling time before you serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Orzo:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook it until it’s al dente, which usually takes around 7-8 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to keep it from sticking together!
2. Drain and Cool:
Once the orzo is cooked, drain it using a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and help it cool down. Make sure to drain it well before you transfer the orzo to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the Veggies and Chickpeas:
In the mixing bowl with the orzo, fold in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, Kalamata olives, red onion, chickpeas, and crumbled feta cheese. These ingredients will add lots of color and flavor to your salad!
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This will be your delicious dressing to add flavor.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together with a spatula or spoon, making sure all the ingredients are well coated.
6. Add Herbs:
Now, take your fresh basil and mint leaves, tear them into smaller pieces, and sprinkle them on top of the salad. Give it another light toss to distribute the herbs throughout the dish.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your salad! You can adjust the seasoning by adding a bit more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
8. Chill Before Serving:
To really let those flavors come together, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This not only enhances the flavors but makes it even more refreshing!
Serve the salad cold or at room temperature, and enjoy this fresh and flavorful Mediterranean orzo salad as a perfect side dish or a light lunch! 😊
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! If you can’t find orzo, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary with different pasta!
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving as the dressing may settle.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance; the flavors will enhance as it sits in the fridge. Just hold off on adding fresh herbs until just before serving for maximum freshness!
What Can I Add for Extra Protein?
If you’d like to boost the protein content, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some diced hard-boiled eggs. These additions will complement the flavors beautifully!
