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
Scale
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
