What is orzo salad made of?

Orzo salad typically consists of orzo pasta, vegetables (like cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions), herbs, a vinaigrette dressing, and often feta cheese. Other additions can include olives, chickpeas, or grilled chicken.

How long is orzo salad good for?

Orzo salad is typically good for 3-5 days in the refrigerator, when stored properly in an airtight container. The fresher the ingredients, the longer it will last.

Can I make orzo salad the day before?

Yes, orzo salad is often even better when made a day ahead! The flavors have time to meld together. However, add delicate ingredients like fresh herbs or avocado just before serving to prevent them from browning or wilting.

What is orzo pasta similar to?

Orzo pasta is similar in shape and size to rice, but it's made from semolina flour, which is a type of durum wheat. Therefore, it's more like a small pasta shape than rice in taste and texture.

What meat goes with orzo salad?

Orzo salad pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or lamb. Grilled or baked tofu or chickpeas are also excellent vegetarian options.

Can you freeze orzo salad?

While you *can* freeze orzo salad, it's generally not recommended. The pasta can become mushy, and some vegetables may lose their texture. If you must freeze it, use cooked orzo without the vegetables, and add those fresh when you defrost.

Orzo Salad with Feta: The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Flavor 2026

Name: Orzo Salad with Feta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for toasting); 1 English cucumber, diced; 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 6 oz); 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced; 1/2 red onion, finely diced; 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (for dressing); 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Orzo Salad with Feta

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A vibrant Mediterranean pasta salad featuring toasted orzo, fresh vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta, all tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick, healthy meal. Ready in under 30 minutes.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 10min
Total Time: 25min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: lunch
Method: boiling, mixing
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for toasting)
1 English cucumber, diced
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 6 oz)
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

Toast the orzo in a saucepan with 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and nutty.
Add water or broth per package directions, bring to a boil, then simmer until al dente (8-9 min). Drain and rinse with cool water.
While orzo cooks, whisk together all dressing ingredients: 1/3 cup olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine cooled orzo, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, olives, red onion, parsley, and dill.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Let rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. For a chilled dish, refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Notes

Toasting the orzo is essential for depth of flavor. For best results, let the orzo cool slightly before adding dressing and fresh ingredients. The salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 650
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 5
Unsaturated Fat: 12
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 32
Fiber: 3
Protein: 9
Cholesterol: 25

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/orzo-salad-feta/