Mediterranean Pasta Salad: A Refreshing & Flavorful Dish for Every Occasion
This Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is a light, refreshing dish bursting with vibrant flavors from cherry tomatoes, feta, olives, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, quick lunches, or as a side dish for grilled meats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
Salad:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted & sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Prepare vegetables: Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, thinly slice red onion, and slice olives.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.
- Make the vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss & chill: Pour dressing over the salad, add fresh herbs, and gently mix. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the orzo in a dry pan before boiling.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Calories: 275 kcal per serving
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g