Best 5 Easy Mediterranean Orzo Salad Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

**Tantalizing Mediterranean Orzo Salad: A Culinary Journey Through Flavors and Freshness**

Embark on a culinary adventure with the vibrant and delectable Mediterranean orzo salad, a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This delightful dish combines the essence of the Mediterranean region, showcasing a harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tangy dressings. Dive into the refreshing combination of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tender orzo pasta, complemented by the subtle sweetness of red onions and the zesty kick of lemon-herb vinaigrette. Discover variations of this versatile salad, including a hearty version with grilled chicken, a refreshing vegan option bursting with colorful vegetables, and a unique roasted red pepper and artichoke twist. Each recipe offers a unique journey through the diverse culinary landscapes of the Mediterranean, promising an explosion of flavors in every bite.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD



Mediterranean Orzo Salad image

Crunchy fresh vegetables and leafy spinach pair with orzo pasta and briny olives and feta cheese for an easy pasta salad perfect for meal prep or parties.

Provided by Heidi

Categories     Salad

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 14

16 ounces orzo
3 cups baby spinach leaves (, gently torn into large pieces)
1 1/2 chopped red bell pepper (, about one red bell pepper)
1 cup cucumber (, diced and seeded, about one medium)
3/4 cup red onion (, diced)
5 ounces Castelvetrano green olives (, drained and halved)
5 ounces Kalamata pitted olives (, drained and halved)
7 ounces feta cheese
1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lemon (, juiced)
1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil, season with salt, and cook the orzo for 10 minutes. Drain, rinse, and set aside to cool.
  • Transfer the cooled orzo to a large mixing bowl. Add the spinach, chopped vegetables, and olives, then crumble half of the feta cheese over the pasta.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the canola oil, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano and salt and pepper until mixed. Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and gently fold until the pasta and veggies are coated. Taste for seasoning and top with the remaining feta cheese.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight before serving. The pasta is best within 2-3 days, but will last in the refrigerator up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 0.75 cup, Calories 356 kcal, Carbohydrate 33 g, Protein 8 g, Fat 22 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Sodium 756 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 3 g

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD



Mediterranean Orzo Salad image

This light and refreshing cold pasta salad is loaded with the flavors of the Mediterranean, and pairs well with grilled proteins, such as fish, pork, chicken or steak. If you make this in advance, reserve a bit of the dressing to add right before serving, as the pasta has a tendency to soak up the dressing as it sits over time.

Provided by Kim's Cooking Now

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

½ (16 ounce) package uncooked orzo pasta
½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup diced red onion
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup pitted Mediterranean olives, cut in half
1 cup finely diced Asiago cheese
1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh garlic
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup red wine vinegar
½ lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain well. Rinse with cold water and drain well again.
  • Combine orzo, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, and Asiago cheese in a large bowl.
  • Whisk garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette. Drizzle over the orzo mixture and toss lightly to combine. Add basil and parsley and mix well. Let sit for 20 minutes for flavors to blend, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418.2 calories, Carbohydrate 34.7 g, Cholesterol 16.1 mg, Fat 27 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 10.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 819 mg, Sugar 2.6 g

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD



Mediterranean Orzo Salad image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h35m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces orzo pasta
One 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained.
1 1/2 cups red grape or cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 cups yellow grape or cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 cups kalamata olives, halved
1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese, plus more for topping
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, plus more for topping
1 red onion, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • For the dressing: In a jar or bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and some salt and pepper until totally combined.
  • For the salad: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package directions. Drain and let cool.
  • Place the orzo, chickpeas, red and yellow tomatoes, olives, feta, parsley and onions in a large mixing bowl and pour the dressing over the top. Stir to combine and taste; add salt and pepper if needed. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
  • Top with more feta and parsley and serve as a main dish salad or with grilled chicken, fish or burgers!

EASY MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD



Easy Mediterranean Orzo Salad image

This salad is an incorporation of a variety of Mediterranean ingredients with a light lemon sauce to bind it all together. Feel free to substitute ingredients for a more customized salad. Due to many ingredients I've listed having a naturally salty flavor, I've refrained from the addition of salt.

Provided by thedailygourmet

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

½ cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 ½ teaspoons lemon-infused olive oil
¼ cup sliced black olives
¼ cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
¼ cup canned chickpeas
¼ cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
2 tablespoons ricotta salata cheese, crumbled or shaved

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well.
  • Toss orzo with lemon-infused olive oil. Add olives, artichoke hearts, chickpeas, roasted red peppers, pine nuts, and ricotta salata. Toss to combine. Refrigerate to chill and allow flavors to build.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 183.1 calories, Carbohydrate 25 g, Cholesterol 4.2 mg, Fat 7 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 6.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 255.6 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

ORZO SALAD



Orzo Salad image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups orzo
1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups red and yellow teardrop tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved
3/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
About 3/4 cup Red Wine Vinaigrette, recipe follows
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Pour the broth into a heavy large saucepan. Cover the pan and bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Stir in the orzo. Cover partially and cook until the orzo is tender but still firm to the bite, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. Drain the orzo through a strainer. Transfer the orzo to a large wide bowl and toss until the orzo cools slightly. Set aside to cool completely.
  • Toss the orzo with the beans, tomatoes, onion, basil, mint, and enough vinaigrette to coat. Season the salad, to taste, with salt and pepper, and serve at room temperature.
  • Mix the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender. With the machine running, gradually blend in the oil. Season the vinaigrette, to taste, with more salt and pepper, if desired.
  • Yield: 1 3/4 cups

Tips for Making the Best Mediterranean Orzo Salad:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs, and good-quality olive oil will make all the difference in the taste of your salad.
  • Cook the orzo perfectly: Al dente orzo is the goal. It should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.
  • Let the salad cool before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and develop.
  • Serve the salad at room temperature or slightly chilled: This is the best way to enjoy the flavors of the salad.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley, mint, or basil, will add a pop of color and flavor to your salad.

Conclusion:

Mediterranean orzo salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish. It's packed with flavor and healthy ingredients, making it a great choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy recipe that's sure to please everyone, give this Mediterranean orzo salad a try!

Related Topics