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mediterranean orzo pasta salad recipe - Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

mediterranean orzo pasta salad recipe made easy at home. A vibrant, herb-packed orzo salad bursting with sun-ripened tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy feta, and
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 medium cucumber seeded and diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/3 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint or dill optional, chopped
Lemon-Oregano Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually 8–9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool, then shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake until well emulsified.
  3. To the bowl of cooled orzo, add halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, olives, and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently to coat. Fold in the crumbled feta last to keep chunks intact.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to let the flavors meld. Just before serving, give it another quick toss and garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges.