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Amazing Orzo Salad Recipe with Feta, Tomatoes, and Fresh Herbs

Amazing Orzo Salad Recipe

A fresh Mediterranean-style pasta salad made with tender orzo, crisp vegetables, feta, olives, parsley, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette. Serve it chilled or at cool room temperature as a flavorful side dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 1 cup Dry orzo
  • 1 pint Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 whole English cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 small Small red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced or halved
  • 1/2 cup Crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh dill or basil, chopped (optional)
Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons Red-wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon, plus more for pasta water Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to the package directions, usually 9 to 12 minutes, until al dente.
  2. Drain the orzo well. For a chilled salad, rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta, then drain it thoroughly again.
  3. Whisk the olive oil, red-wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until combined.
  4. Add the orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, parsley, and optional dill or basil to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust with additional salt, pepper, lemon juice, or vinegar as needed. Let it stand for 20 to 30 minutes before serving, or refrigerate it if holding longer.

Notes

Drain the orzo thoroughly so extra water does not dilute the vinaigrette. If making the salad ahead, reserve a little dressing and toss it in just before serving because orzo absorbs dressing as it rests.