This colorful Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is packed with fresh veggies, tangy olives, and hearty feta cheese. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for warm days!
Whenever I make this salad, I feel like I’m having a little vacation. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up and tastes even better the next day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that gives this salad a nice texture. If you’re gluten-free, try quinoa or gluten-free pasta for a similar feel.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a sweet burst of flavor. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, regular tomatoes diced small will work too. Canned tomatoes drained can be a substitute, but the texture will differ.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumber adds crunch. If you prefer a different flavor, bell pepper or zucchini could be a good swap. For a touch of sweetness, use roasted peppers.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a tangy flavor. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, try using a nut-based feta or crumble some tofu marinated in lemon juice as a substitute.
Kalamata Olives: These olives bring a nice depth of taste. If you’re not a fan of olives, you can skip them or use green olives instead for a milder flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Orzo is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking orzo can be tricky if you’re not familiar with it. Here are some tips to avoid mushy pasta:
- Use a large pot of boiling water to give the orzo space to cook evenly.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on the time; al dente is the key! Typically, it takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water immediately. This halts the cooking process and helps it chill quickly.
How to Make Easy Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For The Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs at least 30 minutes in the fridge to chill and let the flavors mix together. In total, you’ll spend about 45 minutes to have this tasty salad ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Orzo Pasta:
Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Once it’s bubbling, add the orzo pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (tender but still with a slight bite). When it’s done, drain the orzo using a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help cool it down for your salad.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced green bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced kalamata olives, and freshly chopped parsley. This colorful combination is what makes your salad so vibrant and delicious!
3. Mix Everything Together:
Add the cooled orzo pasta to the bowl with all the lovely vegetables. This will give it a great texture and heartiness. Make sure everything is mixed well so each bite has a bit of everything!
4. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be the flavorful dressing that brings everything together.
5. Combine and Chill:
Pour the dressing over the orzo and vegetable mixture, then gently toss everything together to coat it nicely with the dressing. Be careful not to break the pasta! Lastly, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top and give it a light mix.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Cover the salad bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or at room temperature. It’s so refreshing—perfect for any meal or as a side dish. Enjoy your Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad!
Can I Substitute Other Pasta for Orzo?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo, you can use any other small pasta shapes like ditalini, quinoa, or even small couscous. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, so it reaches the al dente stage!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan feta substitute. You can also add some avocado for creaminess or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for prep ahead! You can make it up to a day in advance. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will blend beautifully as it chills!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it seems dry after storage, you can add a little more olive oil or vinegar before serving to freshen it up!
