If you have been hunting for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly irresistible dish to brighten up your meals, you are going to love this Best Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe. This salad brings together tender orzo pasta with crisp vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty red wine vinegar dressing. It’s a colorful medley that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors, making it the perfect dish for warm days, picnics, or even a simple weeknight dinner. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your go-to pasta salad for every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures—from the al dente orzo to the crunchy veggies and tangy feta, every bite is a delight.
- Orzo pasta (1 1/2 cups): This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and provides a great base to soak up the dressing and flavors.
- Cucumber, diced (1/2 cup): Adds a refreshing crunch and lightness to keep the salad fresh-tasting.
- Red bell pepper, diced (1/2 cup): Offers sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (1/2 cup): Bring juicy bursts of flavor with a hint of natural acidity.
- Red onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup): Provides a mild bite and aromatic depth without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Black olives, sliced (1/4 cup): Add a salty richness and Mediterranean flair.
- Feta cheese, crumbled (1/4 cup): Creamy and tangy, it complements the salad perfectly and adds an indulgent texture.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A quality extra virgin olive oil brings smoothness and ties the whole salad together.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Gives the salad a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the feta and oil.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Infuses the salad with classic Mediterranean herbal notes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Best Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo Pasta
Start by cooking the orzo according to the package directions until it’s al dente—firm to the bite yet tender. Be sure to drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This step ensures the orzo doesn’t turn mushy and stays light within the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies and Combine
While the pasta is cooking, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and slice the black olives. In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo with all these fresh vegetables along with the crumbled feta cheese. Mixing everything while the pasta is cool keeps the salad crisp and inviting.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. This simple dressing is the magic touch that ties the flavors together without overwhelming the freshness of the veggies and the creaminess of the feta.
Step 4: Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over the combined orzo and vegetables, then toss gently but thoroughly so every morsel is coated. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Letting it rest allows the flavors to meld beautifully, taking the Best Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe from good to unforgettable.
How to Serve Best Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the salad just before serving. A few whole olives or additional crumbled feta on top make for an inviting presentation. You can also add a light squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors immediately before eating.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken kebabs or seafood, offering a refreshing contrast to smoky, hearty dishes. It also works well alongside a crusty baguette or stuffed pita pockets for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Best Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe in small glass jars or pretty bowls for picnics or parties — it looks stunning layered or with a sprig of fresh herbs on top. You can also use it as a hearty filling for pita sandwiches or as a side alongside avocado slices and roasted vegetables for a vegetarian feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Because the orzo absorbs the dressing over time, you might want to stir in a splash of olive oil or a little vinegar before serving leftover portions to refresh the flavors.
Freezing
Due to the fresh vegetables and feta cheese, this Orzo Pasta Salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. Freezing can change the texture of the ingredients, especially the cucumber and tomatoes.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. Simply take it out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to let it lose some of the chill, ensuring the flavors shine through.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo’s small shape and texture make it ideal, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like Israeli couscous, small shells, or even quinoa if you want a gluten-free version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the Best Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe is an excellent option for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge for a few days and makes for a quick, healthy lunch or side dish. Just be sure to keep it chilled and stir occasionally before eating.
Can I add protein to the salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or even canned tuna can be stirred in to boost the protein content and turn this salad into a complete meal.
What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a slightly different but equally delicious tangy flavor.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to add a similar depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Best Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe—its perfect balance of fresh vegetables, bold flavors, and easy preparation makes it a standout dish you’ll want to serve again and again. Whether for a family meal, a summer picnic, or a potluck, it brings brightness and joy to the table. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the deliciousness you created!
Print
Best Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant orzo pasta salad featuring crisp vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese, perfectly tossed in a zesty olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for a light lunch, picnic, or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled orzo pasta together with the diced cucumber, red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well emulsified and flavorful.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the orzo salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Chill before serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Serve cold for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the cooked orzo under cold water to prevent it from sticking and to cool it down quickly.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance flavor.
- You can substitute the feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative if desired.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially considering the saltiness of the olives and feta.
- Best served chilled, so plan ahead and refrigerate before serving.
