Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Feta and Olives is a vibrant, refreshing dish bursting with sunshine-inspired flavors from the Mediterranean coast. Tender orzo pasta combines with crisp vegetables, briny Kalamata olives, creamy feta, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy, salty, and fresh notes — light enough for summer but satisfying enough for any season.

Whether you’re hosting a picnic, preparing a weekday lunch, or complementing grilled meats, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s as nourishing as it is beautiful. It’s simple to make, travels well, and tastes even better the next day!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking — fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and effortless elegance. The orzo pasta absorbs the lemony dressing perfectly, while the feta and olives bring a rich, salty depth that balances the crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes.

It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy to prepare yet feels gourmet every single time.

Why You Must Try This Dish

You must try this Mediterranean Orzo Salad because it’s:

• Fresh and flavorful, bursting with Mediterranean goodness.
• Balanced and satisfying, thanks to feta and olives.
• Quick to make, ready in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile, perfect as a side dish or main course.
• Healthy, loaded with fiber, vitamins, and heart-healthy fats.

It’s a no-fuss recipe that tastes restaurant-quality — light, colorful, and utterly refreshing.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~280 kcal per serving

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Salad / Side Dish / Light Meal
• Cuisine: Mediterranean / Greek

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp dried oregano

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the orzo cools, chop tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and herbs. Slice olives.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine orzo, vegetables, olives, herbs, and feta.
5. Dress and toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
6. Chill (optional): Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes for the flavors to meld.
7. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Boil salted water and cook orzo until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cool water.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, chop cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. Slice the olives.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo with the vegetables, herbs, feta, and olives.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is coated.
Step 6: Chill briefly or serve immediately, garnished with extra feta or herbs if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side or main dish.

Perfect pairings include:

• Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
• Mediterranean dishes like hummus, falafel, or pita bread.
• Roasted vegetables or skewers for a vegetarian meal.
• A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling lemonade.

It’s also excellent for meal prep — serve it for lunch the next day; the flavors deepen beautifully overnight!

Recipe Tips

• Rinse orzo after cooking to stop it from sticking together.
• Don’t overcook the orzo — slightly firm texture holds better in salads.
• Use high-quality olive oil and fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Crumble feta just before serving to keep it creamy.
• Chill the salad for 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld together.

Variations

1. Protein-Packed Version: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
2. Vegan Option: Skip the feta or replace it with vegan feta cheese.
3. Add More Veggies: Include bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or roasted zucchini for more texture.
4. Grain Swap: Substitute orzo with quinoa, couscous, or farro for a different grain base.
5. Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of harissa for heat.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended — pasta and vegetables lose their texture when thawed.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dressing separately and mix it into the salad just before serving for the freshest taste.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling orzo)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Salad tongs or large spoon
• Cutting board and knife

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this salad a day ahead?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling overnight as the flavors blend beautifully.

Q2: Can I serve it warm?
Yes, it’s delicious slightly warm too, though it’s traditionally served cold or room temperature.

Q3: What can I substitute for orzo?
You can use small pasta shapes like ditalini, pearl couscous, or even quinoa.

Q4: Is this salad gluten-free?
Orzo is typically made from wheat, but you can find gluten-free orzo or substitute quinoa.

Q5: How do I make it creamier?
Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or hummus to the dressing for a rich, creamy texture.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Feta and Olives is a colorful, refreshing, and satisfying dish that celebrates the simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine. Packed with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and bright lemony dressing, it’s a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weekday meals, this salad embodies everything we love about effortless, healthy cooking — vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and endless versatility. One bite, and you’ll be transported straight to the sun-soaked coasts of the Mediterranean.