If you’ve been on the lookout for a refreshingly tasty and effortlessly charming dish to brighten up your meals, this Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant colors and Mediterranean flavors, this salad combines tender orzo pasta with crisp veggies, tangy feta, and a lively dressing that dances on your taste buds. It’s perfect for warm afternoons, picnics, or anytime you want a dish that feels both comforting and light. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe truly shine. Each item brings its own delightful texture, color, and flavor, creating a harmonious balance that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: This petite pasta cooks quickly and provides a lovely, tender base that soaks up all the flavors.
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of sweetness that add vibrant red pops throughout the salad.
- 1 cucumber, diced: Adds a refreshing crunch and cooling balance to the medley of flavors.
- ½ red onion, finely chopped: Offers a slightly sharp kick that lifts the whole dish.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, this cheese is the perfect Mediterranean touch.
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced: Brings a salty depth and rich flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Lends a bright herbal note and fresh green specks for color.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil: Adds warmth and a sweet, aromatic twist.
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil: Rich and fruity, it ties the entire salad together with a silky coating.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Provides the perfect tangy acidity to brighten all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle hint of sharpness that enriches the dressing.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a savory depth that perks up the palate.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the natural flavors in the salad.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Delivers just enough spice to keep things lively without overpowering.
How to Make Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your orzo pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This is essential because you want the orzo to have just the right bite, not mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to instantly cool it down, preventing sticking and making it ready for the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
While the orzo cooks and cools, chop your cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and slice the kalamata olives. This is the part where the salad really starts coming together as the vibrant colors and fresh aromas mix. Don’t forget to crumble the feta cheese and chop the parsley and basil, which add bright bursts of flavor and texture.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until you have a smooth, emulsified dressing. This dressing is the heartbeat of the salad, bringing all the components into delicious harmony with its tangy and savory notes.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
In a large bowl, toss together the cooled orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta, olives, and herbs. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss to coat every single morsel with that wonderful tangy richness. Cover the bowl and chill your Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite a perfect combination of freshness.
How to Serve Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of extra crumbled feta or a few whole fresh basil leaves on top right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of olive oil or a few more sliced kalamata olives can give your salad a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, as well as hearty flatbreads or warm pita. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted vegetables or as a side for your favorite Mediterranean mezze platter—perfect for sharing and savoring together.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in colorful bowls or mason jars for a casual picnic vibe, or layer it in a clear glass trifle bowl to show off all the beautiful layers of veggies and orzo for a stunning centerpiece. You can even stuff it into hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers for unique, edible serving vessels!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply place any leftover Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to three days, making it a convenient and delicious option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, so freezing isn’t recommended because the texture of many fresh ingredients, such as cucumber and feta, can become compromised once thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a salad designed to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. Simply let it sit out for a few minutes if it’s too cold from the fridge, then enjoy the full flavor and perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is ideal because of its size and texture, small pasta shapes like couscous or small shells can work well in this salad too, though the overall feel will be slightly different.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe is vegetarian because of the feta cheese. To make it vegan, simply swap feta with a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for about 3 days. For best taste and texture, consume within this period.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even shrimp make excellent additions if you want a more filling meal with extra protein.
What if I want a tangier dressing?
Feel free to adjust the vinegar to your taste or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra zesty kick. Both options brighten the salad deliciously.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe enough for anyone who loves a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a crowd-pleasing side, or a charming addition to your summer gatherings. So go ahead, try it out, and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any occasion.
Print
Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad featuring tender orzo, vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy feta, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch, this cold pasta salad combines fresh herbs and a balanced vinaigrette to create a flavorful and easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
Pasta & Vegetables
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
Cheese & Olives
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
Herbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Boil the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool completely.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, chopped parsley, and chopped basil.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together ensuring all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas to the salad.
- Switch out feta cheese with mozzarella or goat cheese for different flavor variations.
- Try substituting red wine vinegar with fresh lemon juice for a citrusy, bright twist.
