Breezy Mediterranean Orzo Salad Recipe: Sunny Fresh Flavors

Summer’s warmth calls for a delightful mediterranean orzo salad that bursts with fresh, zesty flavors.

Crisp vegetables and tender pasta dance together in a melody of colors and textures.

Each forkful brings a harmony of tangy herbs and bright ingredients.

Olives, feta, and cherry tomatoes create a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece that sings of sunny coastlines.

Packed with nutrients and bold tastes, this salad breaks free from ordinary side dishes.

You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for quick lunches or elegant gatherings.

Prepare to transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched Mediterranean paradise with every delicious bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Mediterranean Orzo Salad

• Orzo: Delicate pasta that cradles flavors beautifully, choose high-quality semolina variety for best texture.

• Tomatoes, Cucumber: Crisp summer vegetables that bring juicy brightness, select ripe, firm produce with vibrant color.
• Red Onion: Sharp aromatic that adds zesty punch, look for firm bulbs with smooth skin.
• Spinach: Tender leafy green packed with nutrients, choose bright green leaves without wilting.
• Parsley: Fresh herb providing clean herbal notes, select bright green leaves with no yellowing.

• Olives: Briny Mediterranean gems that deliver intense flavor, choose pitted Kalamata for authentic taste.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy crumbly cheese adding creamy richness, select authentic Greek style for traditional profile.

• Olive Oil: Smooth base creating silky texture, opt for extra virgin cold-pressed variety.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic element bringing freshness, use fresh-squeezed for maximum flavor.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Robust tangy liquid adding depth, choose high-quality aged variety.
• Dijon Mustard: Creamy emulsifier with subtle kick, select smooth, well-balanced brand.
• Garlic: Pungent aromatic providing intense base note, choose fresh cloves over pre-minced.

• Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb with earthy undertones, use dried Greek variety for authenticity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor boosters, select sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Tools For Mediterranean Orzo Salad

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling and cooking orzo pasta perfectly.
• Colander: Crucial for draining and rinsing orzo after cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping fresh vegetables and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Vital for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all salad ingredients.
• Small Bowl or Jar: Ideal for whisking and mixing salad dressing.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately measuring dressing ingredients.

Make Mediterranean Orzo Salad Step By Step

• Boil Pasta Base

Cook orzo in salted water until perfectly tender, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking and create a refreshing base for your Mediterranean delight.

• Chop Fresh Treasures

Slice tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, parsley, and spinach into bite-sized pieces that will dance with flavor in your salad.

• Craft Zesty Liquid Gold

Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper into a vibrant dressing that will awaken every ingredient.

• Create Flavor Symphony

Gently mix orzo, chopped vegetables, crumbled feta, and herbs in a large bowl. Drizzle your handmade dressing and toss everything together until each morsel is perfectly coated with Mediterranean magic.

Helpful Tips For Mediterranean Orzo Salad

• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to let flavors meld and develop a more robust taste profile.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or canned tuna for extra protein and make the dish more filling.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace orzo with quinoa or gluten-free rice pasta to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad a day in advance; the flavors actually improve when left to marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
• Vegan Version: Omit feta cheese and replace with plant-based feta alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar tangy flavor.

Serving Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Style

• Mediterranean Summer Picnic Platter: Arrange the orzo salad on a large wooden board with grilled pita triangles, hummus, and extra feta cheese for a stunning Mediterranean-style spread perfect for outdoor gatherings.
• Protein Power Upgrade: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform it into a complete and satisfying main course that's packed with nutrition and flavor.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled rosé to complement the bright, tangy flavors of the orzo salad and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Leftover Lunch Remix: Use remaining salad as a delicious wrap filling or stuff into pita pockets for a quick and easy next-day lunch that tastes just as fresh and vibrant as the first serving.

How To Store Mediterranean Orzo Salad

• Chilled Delight Storage: Refrigerate the salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the flavors fresh and crisp.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Chop vegetables and prepare dressing ahead of time to streamline assembly when hunger strikes.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Store dressing separately from salad to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain optimal texture until serving.
• Temperature Tip: Allow salad to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance the blend of Mediterranean flavors and soften cheese slightly.

Vibrant Mediterranean Orzo Salad

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean orzo salad brings fresh Mediterranean flavors together in a light, zesty dish. Crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and herb-infused dressing create a perfect summer side you’ll crave at every outdoor gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) orzo pasta
• ½ cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup (75 g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (150 g) cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup (40 g) red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup (15 g) fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Immerse orzo in generously salted boiling water, cooking until al dente for 8-10 minutes. Drain completely and rinse with cold water to halt cooking and preserve optimal texture.
2. Vegetable Ensemble: Meticulously cube tomatoes, slice cucumber into delicate rounds, dice olives, mince red onion, and roughly chop parsley and spinach leaves with precision.
3. Flavor Infusion: Craft a Mediterranean vinaigrette by vigorously whisking extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until achieving a silky, harmonious emulsion.
4. Composition and Melding: Combine cooled orzo in a spacious bowl with prepared vegetables, crumbled feta, and parsley. Cascade dressing over the mixture, gently folding to ensure comprehensive flavor integration and balanced distribution.
5. Resting and Serving: Allow salad to harmonize for 10-15 minutes, permitting ingredients to meld and intensify their Mediterranean essence. Present chilled or at ambient temperature as a vibrant side dish or standalone culinary experience.

Notes

• Precision in Salting: Use kosher or sea salt to enhance orzo’s flavor during boiling, ensuring water tastes like the sea for perfect seasoning.
• Cooling Technique: Rinse orzo with cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking process and prevent mushy texture, maintaining ideal al dente consistency.
• Dressing Emulsification: Whisk dressing ingredients vigorously to create smooth, well-integrated flavor profile that coats ingredients evenly without separation.
• Marination Magic: Let salad rest for recommended time to allow flavors to meld, intensifying overall taste and creating more complex Mediterranean-inspired experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg