This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is fresh and colorful, packed with tasty ingredients like orzo pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. It’s great as a side or a light meal!
I love how quick and easy it is to whip up this salad. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, and it tastes even better the next day! Who doesn’t love a two-for-one deal? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a small pasta that resembles rice and works really well in salads. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to use quinoa or a gluten-free pasta shaped like orzo.
Cherry Tomatoes: You can use any variety of cherry or grape tomatoes for color and flavor. If tomatoes aren’t in season, consider using sun-dried tomatoes for a different but tasty option!
Kalamata Olives: These olives add a nice briny flavor. If you can’t find them, you could substitute with black olives or green olives. Just keep in mind that the taste will change a bit.
Feta Cheese: Feta is great for tanginess. A crumbly goat cheese or ricotta would be good alternatives if you’re not a fan of feta.
Red Wine Vinegar: This gives the salad a nice acidic punch. You can swap it for white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Make Sure My Orzo is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking orzo is easy, but a few steps will help you get it just right. Always check the package for cooking time, as it can vary.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil before adding the orzo. The salt helps season it.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, cooking until al dente—tender but with a slight bite (usually 7-10 minutes).
- Drain the orzo and rinse it with cold water. This stops cooking and cools it down quickly for your salad.
How to Make Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (variety of colors)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Mediterranean Orzo Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an optional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, with a bit of cooking and chopping, you’ll have a delicious salad ready in about 45 minutes, perfect for any meal or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Orzo Pasta:
Start by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s tender, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and helps it stay firm in your salad.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, finely chopped red onion, fresh parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and rinsed capers. Give everything a gentle toss to mix them well, so every ingredient is nicely distributed.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will create a tasty dressing that adds flavor to your salad.
4. Toss and Adjust:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Take a moment to taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if you’d like.
5. Serve or Chill:
Now, you can serve your Mediterranean Orzo Salad right away—it’s delicious fresh! If you prefer, you can also chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld and can make your salad even tastier. Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful salad!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! If orzo isn’t available, you can substitute with other small pasta like quinoa, farro, or even couscous. Just be sure to cook according to package instructions and adjust the cooking time accordingly to get the perfect texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Feta Cheese?
If feta cheese isn’t your favorite or if you’re looking for a lactose-free option, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor or use cubed avocado for creaminess without the dairy.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover Mediterranean Orzo Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you find the salad a bit dry after a day, just add a splash of olive oil or vinegar before serving to freshen it up!
Can I Add Additional Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the salad to your liking. Ingredients like bell peppers, cucumbers, artichokes, or even grilled chicken can all add great flavor and texture. Just be mindful of the balance of liquids to avoid making the salad too soggy!
