How to Make the Perfect Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Mediterranean · Easy · 15 min · 6 servings
This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a vibrant quick meal ready in just 15 minutes using pantry ingredients and fresh vegetables. Tender orzo tossed with olives, cucumbers, feta, and a lemon herb dressing makes this a satisfying fast lunch or side dish.
Why this recipe works
This Mediterranean Orzo Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 11g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 0.5 cup kalamata olives, halved
- 0.75 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the orzo
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions, about 8 to 9 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Step 2: Prep the vegetables
While the orzo cooks, dice the cucumber, halve the kalamata olives, and crumble the feta cheese.
Step 3: Make the dressing
Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dried oregano in a small bowl.
Step 4: Toss and serve
Combine the cooled orzo, cucumber, olives, and feta in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss well to coat before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- orzo pasta → couscous or small pasta shapes like ditalini
- feta cheese → goat cheese or omit for a vegan version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not rinsing the orzo after cooking which causes clumping and a sticky texture
- Using warm orzo which wilts the vegetables and melts the feta before serving
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 11g protein, 42g carbs, 14g fat, 3g fiber.
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