Perfect Orzo Pasta Salad With Feta And Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a bright, Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, and easy meal prep lunches. This cold orzo salad combines tender pasta with kalamata olives, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and creamy feta cheese for a refreshing yet satisfying side dish.
If you’re searching for a flavorful orzo salad with feta that holds up beautifully at room temperature, this recipe delivers bold flavor and vibrant color in every bite.
Why This Orzo Salad Works So Well
• Balanced salty, tangy, and fresh flavors
• Perfect for serving a crowd
• Easy to prepare ahead of time
• Holds texture without becoming soggy
• Delicious served chilled or at room temperature
The lemon zest and fresh herbs brighten the richness of feta and sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients
For the Orzo Pasta
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 2 qt | Cooking base |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | Season pasta |
| Orzo | 1 lb | Tender pasta base |
For the Mix-Ins & Dressing
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Kalamata olives | 1/2 lb | Salty depth |
| Red onion | 1/2 cup | Crunch & bite |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | 12 oz | Sweet richness |
| Spinach | 1 cup | Fresh greens |
| Fresh basil | 3 tbsp | Aromatic herb |
| Fresh mint | 3 tbsp | Fresh brightness |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | Gentle heat |
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 3 tbsp | Silky texture |
| Lemon juice | 3 tbsp | Acidity |
| Lemon zest | From 1 lemon | Citrus aroma |
| Feta cheese | 1/3 lb | Creamy saltiness |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Bring water and salt to a boil in a heavy saucepan. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions until tender but not mushy.
Drain thoroughly in a colander. Shake gently to remove excess water.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Transfer drained orzo to a large bowl.
Add chopped olives, red onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, sliced spinach, lemon zest, basil, and mint.
Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Add black pepper, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice.
Toss gently until evenly coated.
Step 4: Add Feta
Fold in crumbled feta carefully to avoid breaking it too much.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve Orzo Pasta Salad
• Alongside grilled chicken or fish
• As part of a Mediterranean mezze spread
• At picnics or potlucks
• Packed for weekday lunches
Make-Ahead & Storage
Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
If needed, add a splash of olive oil and lemon juice before serving to refresh.
Flavor Variations
• Add diced cucumber for crunch
• Stir in cherry tomatoes
• Add grilled chicken for protein
• Swap spinach for arugula
Why It’s Perfect for a Crowd
This salad scales easily and maintains texture for hours. It travels well and doesn’t require reheating, making it ideal for gatherings.
Conclusion
Perfect Orzo Pasta Salad With Feta And Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing side dish filled with Mediterranean flavors. Fresh herbs, lemon zest, briny olives, and creamy feta make this cold orzo salad a standout for summer entertaining and easy meal prep.
Print
Perfect Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Perfect Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes made with olives, lemon zest, fresh herbs, and Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
2 qt water
1/2 tsp salt
1 lb orzo
1/2 lb kalamata olives chopped
1/2 cup red onion chopped
12 oz sun-dried tomatoes drained and diced
1 cup spinach sliced
3 tbsp fresh basil sliced
3 tbsp fresh mint sliced
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
zest of 1 lemon
1/3 lb feta cheese crumbled
Instructions
1. Boil water with salt and cook orzo until tender.
2. Drain thoroughly.
3. Transfer to bowl and add olives, onion, tomatoes, spinach, zest, and herbs.
4. Add olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper.
5. Toss gently.
6. Fold in feta cheese.
7. Chill 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Best after resting.
Store up to 3 days refrigerated.
Refresh with extra lemon and olive oil if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after resting.
2. Can I use a different cheese?
Goat cheese works as a substitute.
3. Is this served cold?
Yes, cold or room temperature.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo or small gluten-free pasta.