🫒 Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is light, colorful, and full of bold, sunny flavors. Tender orzo is tossed with crisp vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s the kind of dish that gets better as it sits—ideal for picnics, potlucks, meal prep, or an easy weeknight dinner.
🛒 Ingredients
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1½ cups dry orzo pasta
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup cucumber, diced
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½ cup red bell pepper, diced
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⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
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½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
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¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh mint or dill, chopped (optional)
Lemon Dressing
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¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
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1 small clove garlic, grated or minced
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
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Cook the orzo
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water. -
Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. -
Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, parsley, and mint or dill. -
Toss & finish
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently. Fold in feta cheese. -
Chill or serve
Serve immediately or chill for 20–30 minutes to let flavors meld.
🌿 Serving Ideas
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Serve with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb
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Add chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost
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Enjoy as a standalone light lunch
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! It tastes even better after a few hours. Store in the fridge up to 3 days.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free orzo or substitute cooked quinoa or rice.
Q: What can I use instead of feta?
A: Goat cheese or dairy-free feta-style cheese work well.
Q: Is this salad healthy?
A: Absolutely—olive oil, vegetables, herbs, and moderate cheese fit perfectly into a Mediterranean eating style.
Q: What makes it Mediterranean?
A: Olive oil, lemon, herbs, feta, olives, fresh vegetables, and simple preparation are Mediterranean staples.
