Vegan Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Bright, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, this Vegan Mediterranean Orzo Salad is the ultimate plant-based delight for your next meal or gathering. Packed with tender orzo pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, vibrant red bell pepper, and tangy kalamata olives, every bite is a medley of Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Fresh parsley and basil add an herbaceous touch, while the zesty homemade dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and a hint of garlic, ties it all together perfectly. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy salad is ideal for meal prep, picnics, or light lunches, and it can be served chilled or at room temperature. Healthy, vegan, and loaded with fresh ingredients, this Mediterranean orzo salad recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium cucumber
• 1 red bell pepper
• 0.5 small red onion
• 0.5 cup kalamata olives
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup fresh basil
• 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 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 large pot of salted water to boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2

While the orzo is cooking, wash and prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and slice the kalamata olives.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and kalamata olives.

Step 4

Chop the fresh parsley and basil finely and add them to the mixing bowl.

Step 5

In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, prepare the dressing by combining the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic (use a garlic press or finely chop), dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake well until emulsified.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the orzo salad and toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your liking.

Step 8

Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1166.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2352.5

Total Fat 94.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2635.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 338.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.3g	0%
Total Sugars 21.9g
Protein 55.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 303.7mg	0%
Iron 21.2mg	0%
Potassium 1189.1mg	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: 35.1%

Protein: 9.2%

Carbs: 55.8%