Description
This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is the kind of dish that fits every occasion—potlucks, picnics, cookouts, or easy weeknight dinners. Tender orzo is tossed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta, all wrapped in a lemony herb dressing that tastes like summer vacation. It’s fast, fresh, and always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
Salad
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1½ cups orzo pasta
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup cucumber, diced (English or Persian preferred)
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½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
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⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
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½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon-Herb Dressing
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¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
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Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the orzo
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package directions (8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking. Drain well. -
Make the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning. -
Prep the vegetables
Halve tomatoes, dice cucumber, slice olives, finely chop onion, and chop parsley.
Tip: Soak chopped red onion in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow its bite. -
Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine cooled orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onion, and parsley. Pour dressing over the top and toss gently to coat. -
Add feta last
Fold in feta gently so it stays in creamy pockets instead of dissolving. -
Chill & serve
Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld. Taste once more before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
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Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp
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Extra Veggies: Roasted red peppers, artichokes, spinach, or arugula
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Herb Swap: Use dill or mint instead of parsley
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Vegan: Skip feta or use vegan feta; add avocado for richness
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Italian-Style: Swap feta for mozzarella pearls and oregano for basil