Bright, fresh, and endlessly satisfying, this Orzo Feta and Tomato Salad is the ultimate blend of Mediterranean flavors and effortless prep. Featuring tender orzo pasta as the base, this dish is elevated with juicy grape tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and a hint of red onion for a bold bite. A zesty homemade dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh parsley ties everything together, creating a perfectly balanced salad that's light yet full of flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight side dish, a make-ahead lunch, or a vibrant addition to potlucks and picnics. Serve this chilled or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing treat that celebrates the vibrant essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect keywords for this recipe: Mediterranean orzo salad, quick salad recipe, feta and tomato salad, summer side dish, easy picnic recipes.
Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
While the orzo cooks, halve the grape tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion and parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo, grape tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Serve cold or at room temperature as a side dish or a light main course.
Calories |
1489 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 70.7 g | 91% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.7 g | 108% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 100 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 2504 mg | 109% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 177.4 g | 65% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.2 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.7 g | ||
| Protein | 44.8 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 667 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 9.8 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 1065 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.