Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is the ultimate solution to boring side dishes. It’s light, vibrant, and bursting with the fresh flavors of lemon, feta, herbs, and crisp veggies all tossed in a zesty olive oil dressing.
Hi, I’m Jack welcome to my kitchen! I’m the recipe developer and food enthusiast behind Cooks Foody. This blog grew from my love of crafting simple, delicious meals that make people smile. Whether it’s a quick weekday lunch or a dish for your next picnic, this Mediterranean salad brings color, crunch, and sunshine to your table.
In this post, I’ll guide you through why this recipe works, key ingredient tips, step-by-step prep, flavor variations, and serving ideas. Let’s get into it!
Why This Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe Works
- 🍋 Bursting with bold, fresh Mediterranean flavors
- ⏱️ Ready in under 30 minutes
- 🥝 Perfect for make ahead lunches and potlucks
- ☘️ No meat, but high in flavor and texture
- 🌿 Customizable with your favorite seasonal veggies
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
Best Base for This Recipe
- Orzo pasta: Small, rice like pasta that holds dressing beautifully
Buying Tips
- Look for firm cucumbers, plump cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta for the best bite and texture
- Kalamata olives should be pitted and whole for best flavor
Substitutions
- Swap orzo with couscous or quinoa
- Use goat cheese or mozzarella pearls instead of feta
- Add roasted red peppers for extra depth
Ingredients & Prep for Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
Salad Base Essentials
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
Dressing Beams
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix dressing ingredients and toss with the salad.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!
I’d love to see your twist on it feel free to post your photos on Pinterest and tag me!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
Pre-Cooking Prep for Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
- Cook orzo according to package directions until al dente
- Drain, rinse in cold water, and let cool
Cooking Method for Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
- Mix chopped veggies, feta, parsley, and olives in a large bowl
- Add cooled orzo and toss gently
- Pour in dressing and mix until well combined
Doneness Check for Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
- Orzo should be tender, not mushy
- Veggies should remain crisp and fresh
Resting for Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld
Pro Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
Avoiding Soggy Pasta
- Don’t overcook orzo; rinse well in cold water after draining
Tool Recommendations
- Citrus press for lemon juice
- Large mixing bowl and silicone spatula
Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container up to 3 days
- Stir before serving to recoat in dressing
Flavor Variations for Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Sala
| Variation | Description | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Twist | Add diced red chili or cayenne | Spice balances lemon and feta |
| Protein Boost | Add grilled chicken or chickpeas | Makes it a main course |
| Vegan | Omit cheese, use vegan feta or tahini | Keeps creaminess without dairy |
Serving Suggestions for Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
- 🥝 Serve with grilled salmon or chicken souvlaki
- 🍷 Pair with crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
- ☕️ Try iced mint tea for a cooling contrast
FAQs about Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Q: Can I use whole wheat orzo?
A: Absolutely! It adds extra fiber and a nutty taste.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Not with orzo, but you can substitute with gluten-free pasta or quinoa.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is light, refreshing, and absolutely crave worthy. Fire up your stovetop and whip up this simple, sunny dish tonight!
Print
Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad Bright Zesty & Perfect for Summer in 30 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil a large salted pot of water and cook the orzo al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Meanwhile, prep your other ingredients.
- Once the orzo has cooled, add all ingredients to a large bowl. I suggest starting with 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, tossing the salad, then adding more if needed. Season with salt & pepper as needed (I am generous with both). Garnish with fresh parsley if using.
Notes
- Serves 2-4 depending on how much people eat.
- Feel free to eyeball the ingredients such as the olives and onion.
- You can replace the red wine vinegar with fresh lemon juice if you prefer.
- Crumbled feta works but I’ve also used those little feta cubes packed in olive oil & fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes