Colorful Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe: A Sunny Bowl

Summers burst with flavor when you toss together a Mediterranean orzo pasta salad that dances with fresh ingredients.

Colorful vegetables mingle with tender pasta, creating a delightful symphony of textures and tastes.

Each bite tells a story of sunny coastlines and rich culinary traditions.

Herbs and spices weave through the dish, bringing warmth and depth to every forkful.

Crisp vegetables add a refreshing crunch that makes this salad irresistible.

Light yet satisfying, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients Behind a Bright Mediterranean Orzo Salad

• Orzo: Delicate rice-shaped pasta that creates a silky foundation, perfect for absorbing Mediterranean flavors and providing a smooth texture.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Bell Pepper: Vibrant, sweet vegetables that add color and crunch, selecting ripe and firm produce ensures maximum flavor.
• Cucumber: Crisp ingredient bringing refreshing coolness, choose seedless varieties for smoother texture.
• Red Onion: Sharp aromatic vegetable offering a zesty bite, thinly slicing helps distribute flavor evenly.
• Chickpeas: Protein-packed legume adding hearty substance, canned versions work perfectly for quick preparation.
• Kalamata Olives: Briny Mediterranean staple introducing intense, salty dimension, selecting high-quality olives elevates overall taste.

• Feta Cheese: Tangy, crumbly cheese providing creamy Mediterranean character, selecting authentic Greek feta enhances authenticity.
• Fresh Parsley, Dill: Bright herbs delivering aromatic freshness, choosing vibrant green leaves indicates peak flavor.

• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth base creating silky dressing, extra virgin varieties offer superior taste.
• Lemon: Citrusy ingredient adding brightness and acidity, selecting ripe, heavy lemons ensures juiciness.
• Garlic: Pungent flavor enhancer, fresh cloves provide more robust taste than pre-minced versions.
• Dried Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb introducing earthy undertones, choosing high-quality dried herbs maximizes flavor.

Must-Haves for Making Orzo Salad with Ease

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling orzo pasta evenly and perfectly.
• Colander: Crucial for draining and rinsing the cooked orzo quickly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all salad ingredients and tossing gently.
• Small Bowl or Jar: Ideal for whisking and mixing the zesty dressing.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping vegetables and herbs cleanly.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending dressing components smoothly.

Toss Together a Bowl of Mediterranean Freshness

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get a pot of salty water bubbling. Drop in the orzo and cook until it’s tender yet firm, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and splash with cool water to stop the cooking.

• Chop Fresh Ingredients

Slice tomatoes into juicy chunks. Dice cucumber and bell peppers into colorful pieces. Mince onions and herbs finely. Crumble feta cheese into crumbly bits.

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

Grab a small container and blend olive oil with tangy lemon juice. Grate lemon zest for extra brightness. Mince garlic and sprinkle dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to wake up the flavors.

• Toss Everything Together

In a big mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with crisp vegetables, briny olives, protein-packed chickpeas, and crumbled cheese. Pour the vibrant dressing over the top and gently mix everything so ingredients are evenly coated.

• Chill and Enjoy

Let the salad relax in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows flavors to mingle and develop. Serve cool or at room temperature for a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Salad Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

• Rinse orzo with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping, ensuring a perfect al dente texture every time.
• Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to allow the herbs and dressing to fully penetrate the ingredients, intensifying the Mediterranean flavors.
• This salad is an ideal meal-prep dish that keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or picnic preparations.
• Easily transform the salad by swapping chickpeas with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for different protein options that suit your dietary needs.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo or quinoa, and keep it vegan by omitting feta or using a plant-based cheese alternative.

Serving Orzo Salad for Lunches or Picnics

• Fresh Mediterranean Picnic Platter: Pack this colorful salad in a large mason jar for a stunning portable lunch that layers ingredients beautifully.
• Mezze-Style Appetizer Spread: Arrange salad in small bowls alongside warm pita bread, hummus, and grilled vegetables for a Greek-inspired starter that delights guests.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform the salad into a hearty meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu on top for extra nutrition and satisfying flavor.
• Summer Potluck Star: Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish at outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and community events where light, zesty recipes shine.

Chilling and Reusing Orzo Salad After Day One

• Refrigerate in an airtight container to keep the salad fresh and crisp for 3-4 days. Avoid freezing, as it can make vegetables soggy and change pasta texture.
• Chop vegetables and make dressing a day ahead to save time. Store separately in sealed containers to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.
• Perfect for meal prep – divide into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches. Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to transform into a complete meal.
• Before serving leftovers, give the salad a quick stir and add a splash of fresh lemon juice or olive oil to revive the flavors and restore moisture lost during refrigeration.

Vibrant Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savor summer’s essence with Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad, a colorful medley of fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta. Zesty lemon dressing and al dente orzo invite you to experience a delightful culinary journey through Mediterranean flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 cups (355 ml) orzo pasta, uncooked
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (150 g) cucumber, diced
• 0.5 cup (75 g) red bell pepper, diced
• 0.25 cup (40 g) red onion, finely diced
• 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, halved
• 0.5 cup (85 g) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsps fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water pot to rolling boil, immerse orzo, and cook until perfectly tender (8-10 minutes). Immediately drain and refresh with cold water to halt cooking process and cool rapidly.
2. Vegetable and Herb Composition: Simultaneously, dice tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion into uniform pieces. Thoroughly rinse chickpeas, crumble feta cheese, and finely chop fresh parsley and dill for vibrant flavor infusion.
3. Dressing Creation: Craft a zesty Mediterranean vinaigrette by whisking extra virgin olive oil with fresh lemon juice, grated lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper until emulsified and aromatic.
4. Salad Assembly: In a spacious mixing vessel, combine cooled orzo, precisely chopped vegetables, kalamata olives, protein-rich chickpeas, crumbled feta, and herbaceous parsley and dill. Drizzle prepared dressing over ingredients and gently fold to ensure comprehensive coating without bruising delicate components.
5. Flavor Melding and Serving: Allow salad to rest in refrigerator for minimum 30 minutes, enabling ingredients to harmonize and develop complex Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. Serve chilled or at ambient temperature as a refreshing side or light main course.

Notes

• Cool pasta immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent a mushy texture, ensuring a perfect al dente consistency.
• Use fresh herbs sparingly to complement, not overpower, the Mediterranean flavors; adjust quantities based on personal taste preference.
• Swap chickpeas with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for different dietary needs while maintaining the salad’s light and refreshing profile.
• Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly and let sit for 10 minutes before adding to the salad, allowing flavors to meld and intensify the overall taste experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg