Description
This vibrant Mediterranean Orzo Salad combines tender orzo pasta with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfectly balanced with bright flavors and a hint of spice, this salad is great as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish for any Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 lb Orzo Pasta
- 1 cup Grape or Cherry Tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 Hot House Cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup Red Onion, sliced
- 1 Red, Orange, or Yellow Pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup Pepperoncinis
- 8 ounces Feta Cheese
- Kalamata or Green Olives, optional
Dressing Ingredients
- 2/3 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/3 cup Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder or 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 teaspoons Honey or Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Optional: Pepperoncini brine
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook it according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Make the Dressing. In a jar or bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder or fresh garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, honey, and optional pepperoncini brine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Salad. In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, grape tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, diced bell pepper, pepperoncinis, and olives if using. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add Feta and Finish. Fold in the crumbled feta cheese carefully to avoid breaking it up too much. Add additional dressing as desired, or save some to refresh leftovers later. Finish with cracked black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if you like.
- Rest Before Serving. Let the salad sit for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature or chilled. This rest time allows the pasta to absorb the dressing and meld all the fresh flavors beautifully before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the salad to rest before serving or refrigerate and enjoy it the next day.
- Can add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Use fresh garlic instead of powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Olives are optional and can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
