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Mediterranean Orzo Salad

White bowl full of homemade Mediterranean Orzo Salad with chopped vegetables and fresh herbs. Top view.

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This salad is full of fresh, crisp veggies, orzo, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. It is bursting with Mediterranean flavors and is a healthy, light, and delicious family favorite. Add some protein for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the salad:

  • 2 cups dry orzo pasta
  • ½ cup quartered cherry tomatoes, seeded
  • ¼ cup finely minced red onion
  • ¼ cup finely chopped celery
  • ¼ cup finely chopped peeled and seeded cucumber
  • ½ yellow bell pepper, seeded and minced
  • ½ cup packed chopped herbs (I used parsley and dill)
  • ¼ cup quartered kalamata olives
  • ¼ cup feta cheese, finely crumbled

For the dressing:

  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2-3 large lemons)
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (more or less to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil (more or less to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (more or less to taste)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large pot, cook your pasta according to the package directions. Don’t overcook the orzo; you want it slightly underdone. Drain and set aside.

Toss the vegetables, herbs, olives, and feta cheese in a large salad bowl. Fold in the orzo pasta and set aside.

Make the dressing.

Combine all ingredients in a mason jar. Screw on the lid tightly and shake until well mixed.

Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.

Pour about half of the dressing over the salad,

Toss until all the vegetables and the orzo are coated lightly with the dressing.

Cover the salad and chill for at least 30 minutes. 

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean Orzo Salad, side dish, Mediterranean diet, orzo, pasta salad, healthy recipes