Nut-Free Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

Bright, fresh, and completely nut-free, this Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for lunches, picnics, or light dinner spreads! Featuring tender orzo pasta and a vibrant mix of cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red bell pepper, and tangy Kalamata olives, this recipe bursts with sun-kissed Mediterranean flavors. Topped with creamy crumbled feta, a sprinkle of fresh parsley and dill, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing, every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and taste. With a quick prep time of just 15 minutes and a chill time that enhances its flavor, this easy-to-make pasta salad is perfect for meal prep or as a side dish for your favorite grilled mains. Gluten-sensitive? Simply swap in gluten-free orzo to suit your needs! Versatile, nutritious, and utterly delicious, this nut-free salad is a sure hit for any occasion.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Orzo pasta
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium Cucumber
• 1 medium Red bell pepper
• 0.5 small Red onion
• 0.75 cup Kalamata olives
• 0.5 cup Feta cheese
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons Fresh dill
• 0.25 cup Lemon juice
• 0.25 cup Olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2

While the orzo is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion.

Step 3

Once the orzo is cooked, drain it well, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Step 4

To the orzo in the bowl, add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly mixed and coated.

Step 7

Chop the fresh parsley and dill, then sprinkle them over the salad. Toss again to distribute the herbs throughout the salad.

Step 8

Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1207.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2369.6

Total Fat 123.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g
Cholesterol 66.8mg	0%
Sodium 4205.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 271.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.8g	0%
Total Sugars 20.8g
Protein 53.7g	0%

Vitamin D 12IU	0%
Calcium 710.7mg	0%
Iron 20.4mg	0%
Potassium 1267.5mg	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: 46.1%

Protein: 8.9%

Carbs: 45.0%