Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a light, refreshing dish that combines orzo pasta with classic Mediterranean ingredients like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onions, and feta cheese. Tossed in a lemony olive oil dressing with fresh herbs like parsley and oregano, this salad is bursting with flavor and is perfect as a side dish or a light main course. It’s vibrant, filling, and ideal for warm weather or meal prepping for the week ahead.

I first made Mediterranean Orzo Salad when I was craving something fresh and light but still substantial enough to serve as a meal. The orzo was the perfect pasta for the salad—it soaked up the tangy dressing and paired so well with the crisp veggies and creamy feta. The briny olives added a savory touch that complemented the freshness of the cucumbers and tomatoes beautifully.

What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can swap in different vegetables like roasted red peppers, artichokes, or even add chickpeas for extra protein. For a twist, you can toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier dish. Mediterranean Orzo Salad is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a make-ahead lunch—it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time!

Perfect for:

Summer gatherings
Barbecues
Potlucks
Light lunches
Mediterranean food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Mediterranean Orzo Salad will quickly become your go-to dish:

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh vegetables, olives, and feta brings an incredible mix of flavors in every bite.
Colorful and Vibrant: This salad is a feast for the eyes, with bright colors from tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives.
Tasty and Refreshing: The tangy lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs provide a refreshing taste that’s perfect for warm weather.
Filling Yet Light: The orzo is hearty enough to make this a satisfying meal, without feeling heavy.
Quick and Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this salad comes together in no time.
Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or top it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days, making it great for meal prep.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats from olive oil and feta.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual lunch or a special event, this salad works for any setting.
Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes, adding ingredients like chickpeas or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 7g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Salad:

1 ½ cups orzo pasta
1 cucumber, diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 small garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

Orzo Pasta: Small pasta that soaks up the flavors of the dressing and other ingredients.
Kalamata Olives: A briny, tangy addition that gives the salad a distinct Mediterranean flavor.
Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy and salty element that pairs beautifully with the veggies.
Lemon Vinaigrette: The zesty dressing ties everything together with a refreshing and tangy kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Orzo:

Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
Drain Well: Make sure to drain the orzo well to avoid excess water in the salad.

Prepare the Salad:

Prepare Vegetables: While the orzo is cooking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
Chop Olives and Herbs: Chop the Kalamata olives, parsley, and basil.

Make the Lemon Vinaigrette:

Whisk Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Salad:

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo, diced vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and herbs.
Add Dressing: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.

Chill and Serve:

Refrigerate: For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Mediterranean Orzo Salad:

As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
For a Light Lunch: Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
At a Picnic: Pack this salad in a container for a refreshing and easy-to-carry dish.
With Pita Bread: Serve with warm pita or flatbread for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
For Barbecue Parties: Perfect to serve at summer barbecues, pairing well with grilled meats.
With Hummus: Pair the salad with a side of hummus for a full Mediterranean meal.
As a Potluck Dish: This salad is easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks.
For Meal Prep: Store in individual containers for a healthy, ready-to-eat meal during the week.
With Tzatziki Sauce: Serve with tzatziki for an added creamy, tangy flavor.
As a Healthy Snack: Enjoy a small bowl of this salad as a healthy snack throughout the day.

Additional Tips

Cool the Orzo Thoroughly: Be sure to rinse the orzo in cold water to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute veggies such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or zucchini.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Double the Dressing: If you prefer a saucier salad, make extra lemon vinaigrette and toss it in before serving.
Let It Rest: Allow the salad to sit for a while after tossing with the dressing for the flavors to meld together.

Recipe Variations

Add Grilled Chicken: Top the salad with grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.
Make It Vegan: Omit the feta cheese and substitute with a plant-based cheese or avocado.
Add Roasted Red Peppers: Roasted red peppers add a smoky flavor to the salad.
Add Chickpeas: For extra protein and fiber, add a cup of cooked chickpeas to the salad.
Use Quinoa: Substitute the orzo with quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Swap Olives: Try green olives or another variety if you prefer a different flavor.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for added crunch.
Make It Zesty: Add a bit more lemon juice or zest to give the salad an extra punch.
Feta-Free Version: Replace feta with vegan cheese for a dairy-free salad.
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy and savory depth to the salad.

Special Equipment

Large Pot: For cooking the orzo pasta.
Strainer or Colander: To drain the cooked orzo.
Small Bowl: For whisking the vinaigrette.
Large Mixing Bowl: To combine all the ingredients.
Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the vegetables and herbs.

FAQ Section

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can use any small pasta like farfalle, penne, or fusilli in place of orzo.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought lemon vinaigrette works just fine.
Can I freeze the salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the fresh vegetables and feta.
How long will this salad last in the fridge?
This salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What other herbs can I use?
You can use mint, oregano, or dill for a different flavor profile.
Can I add meat to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken, lamb, or shrimp are great additions to make this salad a main dish.
Can I make this salad spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes or some chopped chili peppers to the vinaigrette for a spicy kick.
Can I omit the feta cheese?
Yes, simply leave it out or replace it with another cheese like goat cheese or vegan cheese.
Can I use a different type of olives?
Yes, green olives or any other type of olive can be substituted for Kalamata olives.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that combines the light, tender texture of orzo pasta with the bold flavors of Mediterranean ingredients like cucumbers, olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese. Perfect as a side dish or light main course, this salad is both healthy and full of flavor, ideal for picnics, barbecues, or meal prep.

The magic of this recipe lies in the combination of tangy, salty feta and olives with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the crispness of cucumbers. Tossed in a zesty dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like oregano and parsley, this salad is bursting with Mediterranean flavors. You can even add chickpeas or grilled chicken for a heartier option.

I’d love to see your Mediterranean Orzo Salad creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious, fresh salads. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share how you made this dish your own with your favorite ingredients!