Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint (optional), finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Greek Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually about 7–9 minutes). Drain the pasta using a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the orzo is cooking and cooling, wash and prep the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the red onion thinly, and chop the herbs. Cut the kalamata olives in half and set everything aside.
Step 3: Make the Greek Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, parsley, and mint. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine, making sure everything is well coated.
Step 5: Add Feta and Chill
Fold in the crumbled feta cheese gently. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
Keywords: Easy Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe