Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe
If you’re searching for a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean charm, this Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect blend of tender orzo pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, salty olives, tangy feta, and a fragrant kiss of fresh basil. Dressed lightly in a simple, tangy vinaigrette, this salad is the perfect balance of flavors and textures that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Whether for a quick lunch, a potluck offering, or a side to your favorite grilled dishes, this recipe promises bright tastes and effortless elegance in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this salad is simple, but each one plays a critical role. You’ll find that the combination of fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and the distinctive bite of orzo pasta creates a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: The star of the salad, its small, rice-like shape offers a light and tender base that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Add sweetness and vibrant pops of color that brighten the entire salad.
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced: Brings a mild sharpness and crunch to balance the softer textures.
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced: Provides refreshing coolness and an extra layer of crispness.
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced: Introduces a briny depth that complements the creamy feta perfectly.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: The creamy, salty element that adds richness and Mediterranean flair.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is key for a smooth, luscious dressing.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Offers the perfect acidic kick to tie all the flavors together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the best in every ingredient.
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped: The final fragrant touch that gives this dish its fresh, herbaceous personality.
How to Make Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions, usually boiling it until tender but still firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain it well and let it cool completely. This prevents the salad from becoming mushy and allows the dressing to cling to each tiny pasta piece.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Cheese
While the orzo cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion and cucumber, then slice the black olives. Crumble the feta cheese to ensure it mixes effortlessly into the salad. These ingredients create that lively mix of colors, textures, and flavors that make this salad so enticing.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until fully blended. The olive oil brings silkiness, while the vinegar adds a bright, tangy balance. This simple dressing is what marries all the salad components perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, toss the cooled orzo with the prepared vegetables and feta. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well until every bite is coated with that delicious vinaigrette. This step ensures the salad is evenly flavored and invitingly glossy.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
Finally, sprinkle the fresh chopped basil over the top for a fragrant finish. For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving so the ingredients have time to meld and the salad is wonderfully refreshing.
How to Serve Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with extra basil leaves or a few additional crumbles of feta just before serving gives a fresh, vibrant appearance and amps up the flavor. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil on top can also elevate the salad’s presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe pairs brilliantly with grilled chicken, fish, or steak, adding a bright contrast to smoky flavors. It also works beautifully alongside Mediterranean dishes like hummus, pita bread, or roasted vegetables for a light yet satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in hollowed-out cherry tomatoes or mini bell peppers as bite-sized appetizers. Alternatively, plate it over a bed of mixed greens or arugula for extra color and crunch. Layering it in glass jars or bowls also makes it perfect for picnics or on-the-go lunches, showing off its vibrant layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover orzo salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh basil and delicate tomatoes, it’s best enjoyed within this time to maintain the salad’s freshness and texture. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing, as the fresh vegetables and feta lose their texture and the orzo can become mushy upon thawing. For best results, prepare fresh or enjoy refrigerated leftovers.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled salad, reheating is not recommended. However, if you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to mellow without sacrificing the fresh qualities that make this recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo works wonderfully because of its small size and tender texture, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like couscous, quinoa, or even mini shells to suit your preference.
What can I use if I’m allergic to dairy?
If you need to avoid dairy, try replacing the feta with a dairy-free cheese alternative or add toasted nuts such as almonds or pine nuts for added richness and crunch.
How long does the pasta salad last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the salad retains its best quality for up to three days. Beyond that, the fresh vegetables and herbs might start to lose their crispness.
Can I add protein to this salad to make it a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make fantastic additions for a more substantial meal that still complements the flavors of the salad beautifully.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a terrific option for meal prep as it keeps well in the refrigerator and can be served cold or at room temperature. Just be sure to add delicate herbs like basil shortly before eating for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly special with minimal fuss, delivering big on flavor, freshness, and texture. Perfect for any occasion, this salad will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking!
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Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful Orzo Pasta Salad made with tender orzo, fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any meal, this salad is quick to prepare and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes) until tender. Drain the orzo and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently mix to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until emulsified and well blended.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
- Chill and Garnish: Garnish the salad with freshly chopped basil leaves. For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in the dressing.
- You can substitute black olives with kalamata olives for a more robust taste.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
- Make the salad a few hours ahead to enhance the flavor infusion.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
