20 minutes

4.6 from 20 votes

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Name: Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1/3 cup olive oil; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/8 tsp pepper (or to taste); 1 cup orzo (dry); 19 oz chickpeas ((1 can)); 2 cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half); 1 1/2 cups Kalamata olives (pitted and cut in half); 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 1 red onion (chopped)

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by: Joanna Cismaru

07.06.19

Updated: 10.04.20

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This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is bursting with delicious Mediterranean inspired flavors, packed with chickpeas, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes and feta cheese. It’s colorful, refreshing and best of all ready in only 20 minutes!

a large bowl full of orzo salad with feta, olives, tomatoes, chickpeas, and onion.

This here is my kind of salad, want to know why? Because this salad is packed with fresh bright flavors and super satisfying pasta called orzo. I love orzo, it’s so versatile, not to mention it’s perfect for salads like this.

This salad is perfect as a side dish, or enjoyed on its own. I packed this salad with lots of good for you ingredients like chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese and one of my favorite ingredients ever, Kalamata olives. The dressing is really great as well and it couldn’t get any simpler with some super basic lemon juice and olive oil, a little bit of garlic and the perfect touch of seasoning.

What Is Orzo?

Orzo is a small cut pasta that tastes heavenly in light little dishes just like the one I’m writing out for you all today. It packs some good protein and pairs well with a good variety of veggies, I’ll be sure to give you some good recommendations below. You can serve this dish either warm or cold. So give it a try either as a side dish or as an entree all on its own!

a mixing bowl with salad tossers and orzo salad

Ingredients

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Dressing

Lemon – Freshly squeezed juice, each lemon contains about 3 tablespoons of juice.
Olive oil – We want some nice quality stuff if you have any on hand, we aren’t cooking with our oil today so those flavors will really come through.
Garlic – Use as much or little as you like.
Seasoning – Salt and pepper.

Salad

Orzo – We want this small shaped pasta for our dish, you could also substitute it with couscous.
Chickpeas – This packs some great fiber and protein to our salad. Feel free to substitute any legumes you prefer.
Tomatoes – I’m using cherry tomatoes halved to pack tons of tomato flavor.
Olives – My favorite little salad addition, Kalamata olives.
Onion – I use red onion for this recipe for that bright acidic flavor and vibrant color.
Cheese – Feta cheese, crumbled up nicely.
Parsley – Fresh and chopped up fine. If you only have dried parsley on hand keep in mind that 1 teaspoon dried equals 1 tablespoon fresh.

How To Make Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Cook the pasta: Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions.
Combine the dressing: In a medium size jar add all the dressing ingredients together, close the lid and shake a few times, to mix well. Alternatively, you could whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl add all the salad ingredients, pour the dressing over and toss well. Top with additional feta cheese, parsley and pepper if preferred. Serve cold.

a bowl full of orzo salad with tomatoes, olives, chickpeas, feta, and onion.

What Can I Pair This Salad With?

This dish pairs well with so many dishes, especially big protein heavy entrees. Definitely play around with different combinations because regardless you can’t go wrong!

Leftovers

You can make this the day before and place it in the fridge in an airtight container. As it sits the flavors of all the ingredients have a chance to develop. This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days. Unfortunately you can’t freeze this Mediterranean Salad as the integrity of the veggies will be completely gone when it thaws, resulting in a big bowl of mush.

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Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Flavors from around the world

No matter what household we have all grown up in, there is something that has brought us all together here and that is a love and appreciation of food. Food that is from cultures and cuisines across the world has always been a staple of the blog. I'm excited to bring you all a taste of each corner of the earth, every last bite seasoned to perfection and served up with love - from my kitchen to yours.

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Mediterranean Orzo Salad

What Is Orzo?