Fresh Mediterranean Delight: Tangy Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing lemon-infused greek orzo salad that dances with Mediterranean flavors.

Crisp vegetables and tender pasta blend harmoniously in this light, zesty dish.

Bright colors burst from the plate, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Fresh herbs and tangy feta cheese create a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Crumbled cheese adds a creamy richness that complements the al dente orzo.

This salad brings the sunshine of Greece right to your dining table.

Each forkful transports you to a seaside taverna overlooking the sparkling Aegean.

Prepare to savor a meal that celebrates simplicity and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Greek Must-Haves For Orzo Salad

• Orzo: Delicate rice-shaped pasta that creates a light, tender foundation for this Mediterranean-inspired salad, best when cooked just until tender.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber: Vibrant, juicy vegetables that add crisp texture and bright color, choose ripe, firm produce for maximum flavor.
• Red Onion: Sharp, zesty ingredient that provides a punchy kick, select firm onions with smooth, shiny skin.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a clean, green brightness, pick leaves that are deeply green and perky.

• Olives: Briny Mediterranean staple that delivers rich, salty depth, opt for kalamata for authentic Greek character.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy, crumbly cheese that adds creamy saltiness, select authentic Greek feta for most authentic taste.
• Olive Oil: Silky base for dressing that connects all flavors, choose extra virgin for best quality.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds bright acidity to balance the richness, look for high-quality, aged varieties.
• Lemon Juice: Citrusy component that lifts and refreshes the entire dish, use fresh-squeezed for maximum zing.

• Dijon Mustard: Provides subtle heat and helps emulsify dressing, choose smooth, high-quality Dijon.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth, select fresh cloves for most robust flavor.
• Oregano: Classic Greek herb that brings earthy, aromatic notes, dried or fresh both work well.

Tools For Tossing Greek Orzo Salad Right

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling and cooking orzo pasta perfectly.
• Colander: Needed to drain and rinse orzo after cooking.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Small Bowl/Jar: Great for mixing and whisking dressing components.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Crucial for combining all salad ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps chop vegetables and herbs precisely.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for chopping ingredients.

Steps To Make Flavorful Greek Orzo Salad

• Boil Pasta

Grab a pot and fill it with water, add a pinch of salt. Toss in the orzo and cook until it’s perfectly tender. Once done, drain and give it a quick cold rinse to stop the cooking process.

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

In a small container, blend olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, a dollop of Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of oregano. Shake or whisk until everything comes together smoothly.

• Create Mediterranean Magic

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in the cooled orzo. Chop up juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and sharp red onion. Scatter in briny olives and crumble creamy feta cheese. Sprinkle fresh parsley for a burst of green.

• Dress and Chill

Pour your vibrant dressing over the salad and gently mix everything together. Let the flavors mingle by popping the bowl in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This quick chill helps the ingredients get to know each other and makes the salad extra delicious.

Tips For A Fresh Greek Orzo Salad Twist

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this salad a day in advance to let flavors meld beautifully, with the dressing intensifying the Mediterranean taste profile.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna to transform this side dish into a complete and satisfying main course meal.
• Texture Tricks: For extra crunch, toast pine nuts or sunflower seeds and sprinkle them over the salad just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace traditional orzo with quinoa or gluten-free rice pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the dish's authentic Greek flavors.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute crumbled tofu or vegan feta cheese for traditional feta to create a plant-based version that still delivers robust Mediterranean taste and creamy texture.

Serve Greek Orzo Salad Cool And Bright

• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack this vibrant Greek orzo salad in a sealed container for outdoor lunches, beach trips, or park gatherings where fresh, cool dishes shine.
• Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Serve alongside grilled pita bread, hummus, and tzatziki for a complete Mediterranean-style spread that celebrates classic Greek flavors and textures.
• Protein Power Boost: Enhance the salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform it into a hearty main course that satisfies hunger and delivers extra nutrition.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the salad's tangy profile with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a light rosé, creating a delightful dining experience that highlights Mediterranean culinary traditions.

Keep Greek Orzo Salad Fresh In The Fridge

• Quick Chill Technique: Refrigerate the salad for 15-30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and develop a refreshing taste profile.
• Ingredient Prep Tip: Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even distribution and consistent texture throughout the salad.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Gently stir before serving to redistribute dressing.
• Serving Temperature Hack: Remove salad from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to reach a pleasant, cool room temperature which enhances flavor absorption.

Vibrant Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean cuisine embraces this Greek orzo salad as a refreshing summer classic. Cool pasta, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta cheese blend perfectly for hungry diners seeking authentic Greek flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 mL / 8 fl oz) orzo pasta
• ½ cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup (75 g) kalamata olives, sliced
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (150 g) cucumber, diced
• ⅓ cup (50 g) red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup (60 mL / 2 fl oz) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil orzo in seasoned water until al dente, then rapidly cool under cold water to stop cooking and preserve texture.
2. Dressing Creation: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, citrus juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until fully emulsified and aromatic.
3. Salad Assembly: Combine chilled orzo with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and parsley in a large mixing bowl, creating a vibrant Mediterranean medley.
4. Final Fusion: Gently toss the salad with prepared dressing, ensuring even coating without disrupting the delicate ingredients. Chill for 20 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize and intensify, resulting in a refreshing and cohesive Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Notes

• Perfect Pasta Technique: Cook orzo al dente by stirring occasionally and testing texture early to prevent overcooking, which turns pasta mushy and destroys the salad’s signature texture.
• Flavor Infusion Strategy: Let salad rest in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow herbs and dressing to deeply penetrate ingredients, enhancing overall taste profile.
• Temperature Balance Trick: Ensure orzo is completely cooled before mixing with other ingredients to prevent wilting delicate vegetables and maintain crisp vegetable integrity.
• Customization Flexibility: Easily adapt recipe for dietary needs by substituting feta with plant-based cheese for vegan version, or adding grilled chicken for protein boost without compromising Mediterranean essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg