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Three vibrant bowls of Mediterranean orzo salad with feta, olives, colorful bell peppers, and fresh vegetables on a light background.
Layla

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing

A vibrant and refreshing orzo salad packed with sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or potluck.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo Salad
  • 1.5 cup orzo pasta uncooked
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint chopped
For the Lemon Herb Dressing
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Small Bowl or Jar

Method
 

Cook the Orzo
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool completely.
Prepare Vegetables & Herbs
  1. While the orzo cools, prepare the vegetables and herbs. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely dice the red onion, halve the pitted Kalamata olives, and chop the drained sun-dried tomatoes. Chop the fresh parsley and mint.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until well combined and emulsified.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely diced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh mint.
Dress and Serve
  1. Pour the lemon herb dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Chill (Optional)
  1. For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the orzo salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or canned tuna. Adjust herbs to your preference; fresh dill or basil would also be delicious.