Looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion? Say hello to Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes & Feta—a Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad that’s brimming with flavour, colour, and nutrition. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a summer cookout, or simply craving something light and delicious, this orzo salad delivers every time.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delicious orzo salad:

Salad Base:

1 cup dry orzo pasta
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ small red onion, finely chopped
½ cucumber, diced (optional for crunch)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil or mint (optional)

Lemon-Olive Oil Dressing:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Boil salted water and cook orzo until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Mix the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, feta, red onion, and cucumber (if using). Toss with the dressing until well coated.

Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs

Fold in fresh parsley and basil or mint. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavours meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutritional Benefits (H2)

This Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes & Feta is not just delicious—it’s also full of wholesome ingredients:

🍅 Cherry tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene
🧀 Feta cheese adds calcium and protein
🌿 Herbs provide anti-inflammatory benefits
🍋 Lemon juice aids digestion and adds vitamin C
🧄 Garlic supports immune health

This Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes & Feta is the perfect combination of fresh, savoury, and bright flavours. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again—for work lunches, weekend get-togethers, or lazy days when you want something nourishing but simple.

Try it once, and we guarantee it’ll become a go-to favourite. Pair it with grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or a chilled glass of white wine for the ultimate Mediterranean experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you cook orzo for a salad?

Boil it in salted water for about 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, and let it cool completely before mixing.

Should orzo salad be served cold?

You can serve it chilled or at room temperature. Refrigerating it for 30 minutes first gives the flavours time to meld.

Which ingredients can I leave out?

The cucumber is optional, and so are the basil and mint. The salad still works with just the parsley, tomatoes, feta and red onion.

Browse more in our Salads collection.

Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes & Feta: A Fresh and Flavourful Mediterranean Delight