Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

Bursting with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is a refreshing and wholesome dish perfect for any occasion. Tender orzo pasta is tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, zesty red onion, briny kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together by a bright, tangy dressing made with extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and a medley of Mediterranean spices. This quick and easy recipe, ready in just 30 minutes, is an ideal side dish for picnics, barbecues, or a light and satisfying lunch. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and let the vibrant flavors transport you to the sunny Mediterranean coast.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium cucumber
• 0.5 medium red onion
• 0.5 cup kalamata olives
• 0.75 cup feta cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Step 2

While the orzo is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, peel and dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the kalamata olives into halves. Chop the fresh parsley and crumble the feta cheese.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This is your dressing.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed. Stir in the chopped parsley.

Step 6

Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

Serve the orzo pasta salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1083.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2308.1

Total Fat 120.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 100.1mg	0%
Sodium 3915.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 262.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.6g	0%
Total Sugars 16.7g
Protein 57.9g	0%

Vitamin D 18IU	0%
Calcium 835.0mg	0%
Iron 17.8mg	0%
Potassium 1033.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.7%

Protein: 9.8%

Carbs: 44.5%