What is orzo salad made of?

Orzo salad typically consists of orzo pasta, vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion, herbs such as parsley and mint, and a vinaigrette dressing. Feta cheese and olives are also common additions.

How long does orzo salad last in the fridge?

Orzo salad can typically last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can you freeze orzo salad?

Freezing orzo salad is not generally recommended, as the pasta can become mushy and the vegetables can lose their texture upon thawing. It's best to enjoy it fresh.

What goes well with orzo salad?

Orzo salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb. It's also a great side dish for vegetarian entrees like falafel or grilled halloumi. It can also be a complete meal on its own.

What is orzo pasta similar to?

Orzo pasta, also known as risoni, is similar in shape and size to rice. It can be used in place of rice in many dishes and has a slightly chewy texture.

Is orzo pasta healthy?

Orzo pasta can be a part of a healthy diet. It provides carbohydrates for energy and, depending on the type (whole wheat orzo), can offer fiber. Its nutritional value depends on what it's paired with in the salad.

Cold Mediterranean Orzo Salad: Your Secret for Effortless Cleanup Nights 2026

Name: Cold Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup (8 oz) dry orzo pasta; 1 ½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 1 English cucumber, diced; 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese; ½ red onion, finely diced; ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley; ¼ cup chopped fresh dill; ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cold Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A vibrant, flavor-packed pasta salad featuring chewy orzo, fresh vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta, all tossed in a bright lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, meal prep, or potlucks. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 10min
Total Time: 25min (plus optional chilling)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: dinner
Method: boiling, no-cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (8 oz) dry orzo pasta
1 ½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 English cucumber, diced
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
½ red onion, finely diced
⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup chopped fresh dill
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse under very cold water until completely cool. Shake the colander well to remove excess water.
While the orzo cooks, make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Set aside to let flavors meld.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, halved olives, crumbled feta, diced red onion, parsley, and dill.
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the pasta to absorb the dressing.

Notes

For a milder onion flavor, soak the diced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes before adding. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo. For added protein, mix in a can of rinsed chickpeas or shredded rotisserie chicken.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 680
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 6
Unsaturated Fat: 15
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 25
Fiber: 2
Protein: 8
Cholesterol: 25

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/cold-mediterranean-orzo-salad/