Dig into this Mediterranean Orzo Salad and enjoy a delightful bowl of fresh flavors!
This is an easy meal that vegetarians will love and meat lovers can expand upon if they want to! I especially like how straightforward this recipe is, so you can make it for kids too as a delicious way of introducing them to Mediterranean cuisine. The combo of fresh citrus, herbs, and creamy feta creates a rainbow on the plate and your palate, making it a great “gateway” dish for anyone wanting to try something new but simple.
Orzo—which means “barley” in Italian—is a small shape of pasta that has been used in various dishes for centuries. It’s light and deliciously satisfying, plus very easy to prepare. In this recipe, we have a one-of-a-kind orzo dish that stands strong on its own or can be enjoyed with toppings like chickpeas, falafel, or meat kebabs. It’s the perfect platter to bring to a communal feast, whether it’s a big, fat Greek wedding or a humble backyard picnic.
Is This Mediterranean Orzo Salad Healthy?
Trust me on this—this is one healthy dish! The olive oil and olives offer you healthy fats, while the vegetables contain nutrients like fiber and calcium. You can easily boost the protein by mixing in your lean chicken or turkey, chickpeas, or cannellini beans. And if you want to boost the fiber content, consider using whole-wheat orzo instead. This dish can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta or using a plant-based variety. Plus, for gluten-free folk, orzo can be easily replaced with rice or quinoa. Delicious.
Spice It Up & Give It Some Love
While the flavors in this dish are great as the recipe stands, once you’ve made the dish a couple of times, you may want to branch out a bit! I enjoy adding a teaspoon of cumin and paprika to the dressing for a nice warm kick, but you can also just add a dash of your favorite hot sauce if you like. I also recommend playing with white pepper; it is a brighter alternative (or addition) to black pepper.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. After this, the salad will start to get soggy, so be sure to enjoy it while it’s fresh!
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is incredible on its own, it also pairs well with Poached Salmon, Kofta Kebab, or Baked Falafel. For some Italian flair with a vegetarian twist, you could also try Eggplant Meatballs.
And if dessert is on your mind after enjoying this Mediterranean orzo salad, take a look at this Peach Cheesecake, this Chocolate Pavlova, or these bright pink Strawberry Brownies. Talk about a winning meal!
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook orzo pasta in boiling, salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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