A bright and refreshing pasta salad made with tender orzo, crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Packed with Mediterranean flavors and perfect served chilled.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
🔹 Salad
- 1½ cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
🔹 Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & black pepper to taste
🍳 Equipment
- Pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large mixing bowl
- Colander
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Cook Orzo
- Bring salted water to a boil
- Cook orzo according to package instructions (8–10 minutes)
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking
🔸 Step 2: Prepare Ingredients
- Chop vegetables and herbs
- Slice olives and crumble feta
🔸 Step 3: Make Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper
🔸 Step 4: Assemble Salad
- In a large bowl, combine cooled orzo, veggies, olives, and parsley
- Pour dressing over and toss well
🔸 Step 5: Add Feta
- Gently fold in feta cheese
🔸 Step 6: Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes for best flavor
- Toss again before serving
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve as a side with grilled chicken or fish
- Add chickpeas or grilled shrimp for a full meal
- Great for BBQs, picnics, and lunchboxes
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Rinse orzo to keep salad light and non-sticky
✔ Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor
✔ Add feta last to keep it from breaking too much
✔ Chill before serving for enhanced taste
🔄 Variations
🥗 Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas
🥑 Creamy Twist
Add diced avocado
🌶️ Spicy
Add chili flakes
🧄 Extra Flavor
Roast the garlic before adding
❓ FAQs
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! It tastes even better after a few hours.
How long does it last?
Up to 3 days refrigerated.
Can I use another pasta?
Yes, small shapes like couscous or ditalini work well.
⚖️ Approx. Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280–320
- Carbs: ~35g
- Protein: ~8g
- Fat: ~14g