Mediterranean Orzo Salad is loaded with veggies and tossed in the best lemon vinaigrette. Super straightforward to throw together and a total crowd-pleaser!
Mediterranean Orzo Salad Is…
- Packed with flavor: Tangy feta, sweet tomatoes, savory olives, and the BEST lemon dressing.
- Nutritious and light: Features an olive-oil-based vinaigrette, loads of veggies, and beneficial fats.
- straightforward to prepare: A straightforward recipe.
- Versatile: reliable as a main dish, side, or for potlucks.
- Adaptable: Simple to modify to suit tastes or dietary requirements.
- Meal prep friendly: Ideal for preparing ahead, making meal prep a breeze.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad Ingredients
- Orzo pasta: Not to be confused with rice!
- Grape tomatoes: Choose ripe and firm for best flavor and texture.
- Mini cucumbers: Or English cucumbers.
- Kalamata olives: Or grab black olives if you prefer.
- Feta cheese: Crumble from a block for better flavor.
- Avocado: A evenly ripe avocado adds a nice creaminess.
- Parsley: Stick to flat-leaf, not curly parsley.
Dressing
- Red wine vinegar: Select a good brand.
- Dijon mustard: Don’t use yellow mustard.
- Italian seasoning: Or use dried Oregano.
- Garlic: Fresh minced for stronger flavor; jarred for quicker prep.
- Olive oil: Extra-virgin for best flavor.
- Honey: Add to desired sweetness.
- Lemon: Zest with a microplane; juice with this citrus juicer.
How To Make Mediterranean Orzo Salad
- Dress: Combine dressing ingredients; keep nearby.
- Cook orzo: Boil in salted water, drain, rinse.
- Toss: Mix orzo with some dressing.
- Mix: Add tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, (avocado, parsley skippable).
- Season: Add more dressing, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve/store: Enjoy immediately or keep ingredients separate for later.
Quick Tip
Boil pasta in well-salted water to season it from the inside, which enhances flavor and keeps your pasta salad from being bland!
What To Serve Alongside Mediterranean Orzo Salad
- Chicken or Fish: Seasoned with herbs and lemon.
- Pita and Hummus: For a light and complementary side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Your fave veggies with olive oil and herbs.
- Fresh fruit platter: Figs, grapes, and melons will pair nicely.
- Soup: This Mediterranean Soup or Greek Lemon Soup are a reliable on the side.
- Cheese platter: With goat cheese, halloumi, olives, and nuts.
- Quinoa Salad: Simple, with lemon juice and herbs.
Storage
Store the Mediterranean Orzo Salad by keeping the dressing separate from the other ingredients. Refrigerate the salad, veggies, and dressing in separate airtight containers. Mix just before serving. Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness. Storing the fully combined salad will result in sogginess as the pasta absorbs the dressing.
Add Some Protein On The Side:
- Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Air Fryer Falafel
- Grilled Flank Steak
- Best Baked Cod
- Greek Chicken
