Greek-Inspired Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

If you’re craving a bright, fresh, and utterly satisfying dish that whisks you away to the Mediterranean with every bite, then you absolutely must try the Greek-Inspired Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. This salad is a vibrant celebration of flavors featuring tender orzo pasta mingling beautifully with juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta, briny Kalamata olives, and fragrant basil. It’s the kind of recipe that’s not just a side but a showstopper—a perfect balance of textures and tastes that’s incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to delight family and friends wherever you serve it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a Greek-Inspired Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe that’s bursting with flavor, color, and enticing textures. Each component brings its own magic to the bowl, creating the perfect harmony that Mediterranean cuisine is known for.

• 8 ounces dry orzo: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and acts as a lovely, tender base that holds all the flavors together.
• 1 English cucumber: Seeded and quartered, it adds a refreshing crunch that balances the softness of the pasta.
• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity throughout the salad.
• 1 orange or yellow bell pepper: Diced for a hint of sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
• 1 (14-ounce) can reduced sodium chickpeas: Rinsed and drained, these add protein, fiber, and a slightly nutty flavor.
• 8 ounces feta cheese: Crumbled to sprinkle in that classic creamy, tangy bite that’s signature in Greek salads.
• ⅔ cup pitted Kalamata olives: Whole olives provide a salty, briny contrast that elevates every forkful.
• 1 cup chopped fresh basil: Fresh herbs bring aromatic brightness and a delicious herbaceous twist.
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil: The foundation of a luscious dressing that coats the salad beautifully.
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar: Adds a balanced tang with extra splashes for adjusting the zing.
• 1 small garlic clove: Grated or finely minced to infuse a subtle but essential depth of flavor.
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a gentle kick and emulsifies the oil and vinegar perfectly.
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the salad.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that ties everything together authentically.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and final seasoning touch.

How to Make Greek-Inspired Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Orzo to Perfection

Start by boiling the orzo in salted water until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Perfectly cooked orzo is tender but still has a slight bite, making it the ideal base for this salad. Once done, drain it well and transfer to a large mixing bowl while it’s still warm.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Zesty Dressing

While your orzo is cooking, mix the olive oil, red wine vinegar, grated garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, oregano, and black pepper in a bowl or measuring cup with a spout. Whisking these ingredients together creates a vibrant dressing that perfectly complements the Mediterranean flavors of the salad.

Step 3: Combine Dressing and Warm Orzo

Pour about half of the dressing over the warm orzo and stir it in gently. This allows the pasta to soak up those delicious flavors and keeps it from sticking together later, layering depth right from the start.

Step 4: Toss in the Fresh, Flavorful Ingredients

Now comes the fun part. Add the chopped cucumber, halved tomatoes, diced bell pepper, rinsed chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese, whole Kalamata olives, and chopped basil to the bowl. Toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing. If needed, drizzle in the remaining dressing to ensure every bite is perfectly moistened.

Step 5: Adjust Seasonings and Chill

Give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors as you like. For best results, refrigerate the salad until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, toss it again with a little extra dressing for a fresh finish.

How to Serve Greek-Inspired Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your salad with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra basil for a pop of vibrant green. A few more crumbles of feta or a handful of pine nuts can add a lovely texture and visual appeal. A drizzle of good-quality extra-virgin olive oil right before serving enhances that Mediterranean glow and richness.

Side Dishes

This orzo salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb to create a wholesome meal. It’s also a fantastic companion to warm pita bread and tzatziki, turning mealtime into a delightful Mediterranean feast that’s impressively balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful presentation, serve this salad in a rustic wooden bowl or a colorful ceramic dish framed by lemon wedges. You could also stuff the salad into hollowed bell peppers or serve it in mini lettuce cups for a fun, bite-sized appetizer. Its colorful ingredients make it a naturally eye-catching dish at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Greek-Inspired Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Before eating leftovers, give the salad a good stir and add a little extra dressing if it looks dry, as the orzo absorbs moisture over time.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated because freezing can alter the textures of the fresh vegetables and cheese. It’s not recommended to freeze the Greek-Inspired Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe if you want to keep that crispness and creamy feta intact.

Reheating

Since this salad is primarily served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it come to room temperature on the counter for about 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the feta to become grainy and the vegetables to lose their crunch.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like couscous, small shells, or even mini penne. However, orzo’s rice-like size makes it ideal for coating with dressing and mixing with the small chopped ingredients.

Is this salad vegan-friendly?

Not as written because of the feta cheese. For a vegan version, omit the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative to retain the creamy texture and tanginess.

How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

The salad stays fresh and delicious for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. Fresh herbs might wilt slightly over time, so adding them just before serving is a good idea if you’re prepping early.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced red onion, roasted red peppers, or even artichoke hearts for different flavor dimensions. Just remember to balance the flavors so the Mediterranean harmony remains.

What’s the best way to make the dressing ahead of time?

Mix the dressing ingredients and store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using, and adjust seasoning if needed after it rests.

Final Thoughts

Bringing together wholesome ingredients and vibrant Mediterranean flavors, the Greek-Inspired Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a picnic, or a festive gathering, this salad will bring sunshine to your table and smiles all around. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite anytime dish!

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