Description
A light, tangy, and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired orzo pasta salad that absorbs flavor beautifully. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or quick weeknight lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (340g) Orzo Pasta
- Water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium Cucumber, diced
- 1/2 medium Red Onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives, pitted and halved
- 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 cup Fresh Basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes).
- Drain the orzo in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the warm orzo and toss immediately and thoroughly to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely diced red onion. Toss gently to combine.
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, stir in chopped fresh basil and crumbled feta cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
For best flavor, toss the warm orzo with the dressing immediately after draining. If the salad seems dry, add a splash more olive oil or lemon juice. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free orzo. For a dairy-free version, omit the feta cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: orzo pasta salad, summer salad, Mediterranean recipe, quick side dish, vegetarian pasta salad, cold pasta salad, healthy lunch