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This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a vegetarian pasta salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, artichokes, feta and fresh herbs.  It has a lemony dressing with just the right amount of zip.  Orzo Pasta Salad is perfect for a BBQ or picnic, and the perfect side dish for any summer meal!
Mediterranean Orzo Salad in a white bowl

Pin image for Mediterranean Pasta Salad

There is something about eating a cold pasta salad on a hot summer day that is just the best.  I recently made this Mediterranean Orzo Salad and the cold, crunchy cucumbers, zesty lemon dressing and bright fresh herbs really make it perfect for a warm summer meal.  This Orzo Pasta Salad is vegetarian, and can be served as a main dish or as a side dish.  It is also perfect for bringing to picnics or BBQs, because it is actually BETTER if you make it ahead of time.
lemon vinaigrette for orzo salad

Lemon Vinaigrette for Orzo Salad

To make the Mediterranean Pasta Salad, I whisked together a lemony dressing.  The ingredients for the lemon vinaigrette are:

  • lemon juice
  • red wine vinegar
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper
  • honey
  • garlic
  • dried oregano

Simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined.  Some recipes call for blending the vinaigrette in a blender, but I found that wasn’t necessary.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Pasta Salad - orzo, feta, artichoke, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, herbs

What is Orzo?

If you have never had orzo before, it’s time you did!  Orzo is a type of pasta, but it is shaped almost like large grains of rice.  It is a tiny type of pasta, or pastina.  It is often used in soups, but is also can be combined with rice for a pilaf, or used in salads.

Lemon dressing pouring onto orzo salad

How do you cook orzo?

You can cook orzo just as you would any other pasta.  Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.  Add the dried orzo and cook 7-9 minutes, or until al dente. Drain water and toss with olive oil, butter, or sauce of choice.

Closeup of Orzo Pasta Salad with feta and tomatoes

What goes well with Mediterranean Orzo Salad?

I already have lots of Mediterranean Inspired recipes on my site, be sure to check them out!  My Greek Chicken Thighs would be perfect, or my Lamb Kofta Kebabs.  Orzo salad is great on it’s own, or served as a side dish to grilled meats or other main dishes.

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Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Prep 10 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Servings 8 Servings

Ingredients 

  • 1.5 cups uncooked orzo
  • 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes cut in half
  • 8 oz Cucumber About half of one large cucumber, peeled and cut into half moons
  • 3/4 cup red onion diced
  • 15 oz Artichoke hearts one can
  • 1 cup Feta
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Mint chopped

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 garlic clove very finely minced
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper

Instructions 

  • Cook Orzo according to package instructions.
  • Meanwhile, whisk all the ingredients for the dressing together and set aside. Whisk vigorously until well combined.
  • When orzo is finished cooking, drain and rinse with cool water.
  • Combine cooked orzo with the remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Pour in the dressing and gently stir until all ingredients are combined and coated with dressing. This orzo salad tastes best if it can sit for at least half an hour before serving, so the flavors can meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 705mg | Potassium: 222mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 454IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizers, pasta, pasta salad, Salads, Sides
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Did you like this recipe?Please comment, rate and share! And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @foxandbriar AND #foxandbriar so I can see what you made!

Mediterranean Pasta Salad in a white bowl

Hello! I’m Meghan.

I am so glad that you are here! I am the recipe developer, photographer, and writer here at my blog Fox and Briar. I am a passionate, self-taught home cook and believe that most things are better homemade and that good food doesn’t need to be complicated.

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4 Comments

  1. I made this recently and it got so many compliments! I went a little heavy on the honey since I have a toddler, and light on the mint since I wasn’t sure if I’d love it but it blended right in. Next time I’d use the whole amount. So good! Highly recommend. Just came back to get the dressing recipe for dinner tonight.