Orzo Pasta Salad

Orzo Pasta Salad is a light, refreshing dish that’s packed with Mediterranean flavors. This Greek-inspired salad features orzo pasta, crisp veggies, tangy feta cheese, olives, and chickpeas, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a side dish to complement your dinner, this pasta salad is perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Orzo Pasta Salad is bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, making it a perfect balance of fresh, hearty, and tangy. The orzo is tender yet hearty, and when paired with crunchy vegetables, creamy feta, and savory olives, every bite is packed with flavor. The homemade dressing made with olive oil, red vinegar, and Dijon mustard brings everything together with just the right amount of zing. It’s a versatile dish that’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for a light meal, picnic, or as a side dish to any main course.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 8 oz dry orzo (about 1 1/2 cups) – whole wheat or regular

• 1 English cucumber (seeded, quartered lengthwise, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces)

• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)

• 1 orange or yellow bell pepper (cored and diced)

• 1 (14 oz) can reduced-sodium chickpeas (rinsed and drained)

• 8 oz feta cheese (crumbled, about 1 1/2 cups)

• 2/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives (left whole)

• 1 cup chopped fresh basil

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup red vinegar (plus a few splashes to taste)

• 1 small garlic clove (grated or finely minced)

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Orzo: In a large pot of salted water, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

2. Make the Dressing: In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, red vinegar, garlic, mustard, salt, oregano, and black pepper.

3. Combine Orzo and Dressing: While the orzo is still warm, pour about half of the dressing over it. Stir to coat, allowing the orzo to absorb the flavor and prevent it from sticking together.

4. Add the Salad Ingredients: To the orzo, add the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, chickpeas, feta, olives, and basil. Toss to combine, adding more dressing to moisten the salad.

5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar for more zing if desired.

6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving, toss with a bit more dressing if needed.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo if you need a gluten-free version of this salad.

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.

• Vegan: Omit the feta cheese and substitute with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.

• Add More Veggies: You can add red onion, zucchini, or artichoke hearts for more flavor and color.

• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes for a spicy version of this pasta salad.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: This salad is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s been refrigerated for a while, just toss it with some extra dressing before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is great for making ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit for a couple of hours (or even overnight) helps the flavors meld together.

2. Can I use other types of cheese in this salad?

Yes! You can use goat cheese, mozzarella, or even a vegan cheese option if you prefer something other than feta.

3. Can I make this salad with regular pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute the orzo with any small pasta like rotini, farfalle, or penne. Just make sure to cook it al dente.

4. Can I use canned olives for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned Kalamata olives if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well.

5. Can I freeze this pasta salad?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the orzo (separate from the veggies and dressing) if you want to prepare it ahead. However, freezing will affect the texture of the fresh ingredients like cucumber and tomatoes.

6. Can I add more herbs to the salad?

Absolutely! Fresh mint, parsley, or dill would all complement the flavors of the salad beautifully.

7. Can I use white vinegar instead of red vinegar?

Yes, white vinegar can be used as a substitute, but it will give the salad a slightly different taste.

8. Can I add more protein to this salad?

Yes, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even some chickpeas will add more protein and make this salad a more filling meal.

9. How can I make this salad spicier?

For a spicy version, add a finely chopped jalapeño or some red pepper flakes to the dressing or salad.

10. Can I make this salad without olives?

If you’re not a fan of olives, you can omit them or substitute with capers or roasted red peppers for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Orzo Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for anyone craving a light, refreshing, and flavorful meal. Packed with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like feta, olives, chickpeas, and fresh herbs, it’s ideal for any occasion—from picnics to potlucks. The zesty dressing ties everything together, making this salad a crowd-pleaser every time. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this salad is a must-try for your next light lunch or dinner!

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