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Mediterranean Orzo Salad Recipe

Mediterranean Orzo Salad Recipe: Bright, Fresh, and Easy!

Mediterranean Orzo Salad Recipe is a quick and vibrant dish packed with fresh flavors and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for meal prep and gatherings!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup orzo Substitute with quinoa for a gluten-free option.
  • 4 cups baby spinach leaves Any leafy greens like arugula or kale can be used instead.
  • 1 medium red bell pepper Try yellow or orange bell pepper for variety.
  • 1 medium cucumber Diced zucchini makes a great substitute.
  • ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped) Shallots provide a milder alternative.
  • ½ cup Castelvetrano green olives (sliced) Swap in Kalamata olives for a different taste.
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives (sliced) Green olives can be used for a milder option.
  • ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled) Plant-based feta works for a vegan version.
For the Vinaigrette
  • ¼ cup canola oil Avocado oil is a healthier substitute.
  • ¼ cup olive oil Extra virgin olive oil is perfect for a flavor boost.
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice Vinegar can be substituted if preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Italian seasoning can be used instead.
  • to taste kosher salt Sea salt is a great alternative.
  • to taste black pepper White pepper can be used for a milder touch.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook for about 10 minutes, or until al dente. Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo with 4 cups of baby spinach, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced cucumber, ¼ cup of finely chopped red onion, and ½ cup of sliced Castelvetrano olives, along with ½ cup of Kalamata olives.
  3. In a separate bowl, prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together ¼ cup of canola oil, ¼ cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Pour the freshly made vinaigrette over the salad mixture, ensuring that all the ingredients are lightly coated. Use a spatula to gently fold the salad, taking care not to break the feta cheese or vegetables.
  5. Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour. For best results, let the salad chill overnight. When ready to serve, give it a gentle toss and sprinkle the remaining feta cheese on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This Mediterranean Orzo Salad can be customized with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or your favorite veggies for a unique twist!

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