Mediterranean Sunshine Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Sunshine Orzo Salad A Taste of Summer

By Marissa DuarteSeptember 5, 2025Updated: September 4, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Let's Talk Orzo Salad

Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate, yeah? This Orzo Salad is like a Mediterranean holiday in a bowl! It is proper tasty, and simple to whip up.

Think fresh, zingy, and oh-so-satisfying!

Quick Hook

Ever wondered what to bring to that summer barbecue? Look no further! This Easy Orzo Salad is your ticket to potluck stardom.

It is packed with flavour and has the Mediterranean orzo salad recipe vibe.

Brief Overview

This Orzo pasta salad recipe has roots in simple Greek flavors. It is a total breeze to make, taking about 30 minutes plus chilling time.

It makes about 6 servings, perfect for sharing... or not!

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this salad is that it can be made Vegetarian orzo salad ! It is also a great way to get your veggies in.

Bring it along to a picnic or a casual dinner.

Shrimp And Orzo Salad : Is your Orzo Salad missing something? Add some Shrimp!

Honestly, folks, this Orzo Salad With Shrimp is a game changer. A total winner. I reckon this is the best pasta salad recipes with shrimp ever.

Okay, so picture this: I made this for a mate's barbecue, and it was GONE in minutes! Everyone was raving about the Lemon orzo salad dressing, especially the Feta orzo salad sprinkled on top.

And believe me, everyone asked for a recipe. So simple to make it. It is a perfect side, or even a light meal on its own.

Shall we get into the ingredients?

Ingredients & Equipment for Amazing Orzo Salad

Alright, let's talk ingredients. Seriously, this orzo salad is all about fresh, vibrant flavours. It's like a sunshine party in your mouth. And the best part? It's super easy.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of Our Show

Orzo Pasta: 1 pound (450g) . Go for good quality. It makes a difference!
Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup (150g) , halved. They should be firm and juicy!
Cucumber: 1 cup (120g) , diced. English cucumbers are great. Less seeds, you know?
Red Onion: ½ cup (75g) , finely diced. Not too much, we don't want it overpowering.
Kalamata Olives: ½ cup (60g) , pitted and halved. The salty, briny goodness.
Feta Cheese: ½ cup (50g) , crumbled. Creamy and tangy. Yum!
Fresh Parsley: ½ cup (packed) (15g) , chopped. Makes it so fresh!
Fresh Mint: ¼ cup (packed) (7.5g) , chopped. It's subtle, but it's magic.

For an extra kick, consider adding some grilled shrimp . A Shrimp Orzo Salad can be seriously delicious. It’s one of my favourite pasta salad recipes with shrimp .

Honestly, the orzo salad with shrimp is a crowd pleaser!

Seasoning Notes: Let’s Get Flavourful

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette: Key to a bright and tasty lemon orzo salad .
Olive Oil: ¼ cup (60ml) , extra virgin. Get the good stuff!
Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons (45ml) , fresh. Bottled stuff just isn't the same.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don’t be shy.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon . Adds that classic Mediterranean flavour.
Dijon Mustard: ½ teaspoon . Just a touch for some zing.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously!

If you're not feeling the oregano, Italian seasoning works a treat. And a pinch of red pepper flakes? Yes, please. Thinking about a vegetarian orzo salad ? Just skip adding any meats.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Large Pot: For cooking the orzo.
Colander: For draining the pasta.
Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing everything together.
Whisk: For the vinaigrette.
Cutting Board and Knife: Obvious, but essential!

Honestly, you probably have everything you need already. If you don’t have a whisk, a fork will do. And if you're feeling lazy, you can chop the veggies with a food processor but do it carefully.

You don't want mush! Seriously though, this easy orzo salad needs so little equipment that clean-up is so easy!

Let's Cook Some Sunshine: Mediterranean Orzo Salad Recipe!

Hey, you! Ever crave something fresh, vibrant, and oh-so-easy? Well, buckle up because we're diving into a killer Mediterranean orzo salad recipe .

Honestly, this is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you're chilling on a Greek island. Think sunshine, salty air, and delicious food! I can't wait to show you how to make this easy orzo salad .

Prep Like a Pro

Essential mise en place : Chop your veggies, crumble that feta, and get your herbs ready. Having everything prepped makes life so much easier.
Time saving organization : I like to dice all my veggies while the orzo cooks. Multi tasking FTW!
Safety reminders : Watch those fingers when chopping! We want tasty salad, not a trip to A&E.

step-by-step: Orzo Salad Magic

Cook 1 pound (450g) orzo until al dente. About 8- 10 minutes usually does it.
Chop 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes , 1 cup (120g) cucumber , ½ cup (75g) red onion , and ½ cup (60g) Kalamata olives .
Whisk together ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil , 3 tablespoons (45ml) lemon juice , 2 minced garlic cloves , 1 teaspoon oregano , ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard , salt, and pepper. That's the magic.
Combine cooked orzo, veggies, ½ cup (50g) feta , ½ cup (15g) parsley , and ¼ cup (7.5g) mint in a bowl.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips & Tricks for the Best Orzo Salad Ever

Don't overcook the orzo! Mushy pasta is a no-go. Al dente is key.
Taste and adjust: Before serving, give it a taste! Need more lemon? Add some.
make-ahead option: You can totally make this a day ahead. The flavours actually meld together even better. This Mediterranean shrimp orzo salad can be made a few hours in advance.

Okay, real talk, this orzo salad with shrimp is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. I've made it for countless barbecues and potlucks, and it always gets rave reviews.

And you know what? Adding grilled shrimp takes this shrimp and orzo salad to a whole new level. So, go on, give it a try! You won't regret it.

This might be your best new pasta salad recipes with shrimp

Recipe Notes: Getting This Orzo Salad Just Right

Alright, mates, let's talk about the nitty gritty! This Mediterranean orzo salad recipe is pretty foolproof, but a few extra tips can take it from "meh" to "bloody brilliant."

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Honestly, presentation is half the battle, isn't it? Pile your orzo salad with shrimp high in a nice bowl. Garnish with a lemon wedge or extra feta.

For sides? You can't go wrong with grilled chicken or fish. A glass of crisp white wine? Absolutely spot on. Think sunshine on a plate!

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Refrigeration is your friend here. Pop the shrimp and orzo salad into an airtight container and it'll be good for about 3-4 days.

Freezing? I wouldn't recommend it, as the texture might get a bit wonky. It's best to eat this easy orzo salad fresh.

Reheating? Not really necessary. This feta orzo salad is meant to be enjoyed cold!

Variations: Making It Your Own

Fancy a vegetarian orzo salad ? Just ditch the shrimp or chicken.

Want a seasonal twist? In the summer, add some grilled peaches or nectarines. During autumn, roasted butternut squash would be amazing.

For a dietary adaptation, use gluten-free orzo. Boom, gluten-free pasta salad recipes with shrimp !

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but this salad is packed with good stuff. It's got healthy fats from the olive oil.

Vitamins from all those fresh veggies. Protein if you throw in some shrimp orzo salad . And complex carbs from the orzo.

Honestly, it’s a pretty balanced meal.

So there you have it. A few extra tips to make your lemon orzo salad the best it can be.

Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! Now go on, get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Orzo Salad ahead of time? Will it get soggy?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time is encouraged. This Orzo Salad tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld in the fridge. The vinaigrette will be absorbed, and the orzo will soak up all the yummy goodness.

To prevent it from drying out, you might want to reserve a bit of the dressing and add it just before serving, if needed. Remember, you don't want a "soggy bottom" situation like on the Great British Bake Off!

What's the best way to store leftover Orzo Salad? How long will it last?

Store any leftover Orzo Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will generally keep well for 3-5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving. Like a good cup of tea, some things are best enjoyed fresh, but this salad holds up pretty well!

Just be sure to check for any off smells before diving in after a few days.

I don't have Kalamata olives. What else can I use in this Orzo Salad?

No worries! If you're fresh out of Kalamata olives, you can substitute them with another type of olive, like black olives or green olives. You could also try adding some roasted red peppers for a similar savory flavor and a pop of color.

Think of it like choosing your favourite Doctor Who many options, all still pretty good!

Can I add protein to this Orzo Salad to make it a complete meal?

Definitely! This Orzo Salad is a fantastic base for adding protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or white beans would all be excellent additions. If you're vegetarian, consider adding some grilled halloumi for a salty, satisfying option.

It’s like adding a lead singer to a backing band elevates the whole performance!

Is Orzo Salad healthy? What about the calories?

Orzo Salad can be a healthy and balanced meal, depending on the ingredients and portion size. It contains carbohydrates from the orzo, healthy fats from the olive oil, and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.

If you are watching the calories, you can use whole wheat orzo, reduce the amount of cheese and increase the vegetables! You can also adjust the amount of olive oil in the vinaigrette.

Help! My Orzo Salad tastes bland. What am I doing wrong?

Don't fret, flavour rescue is here! First, make sure you seasoned the pasta water adequately when cooking the orzo. A generous pinch of salt makes a big difference. Next, taste the dressing and make sure it’s punchy enough it might need more lemon juice, garlic, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some oomph.

Finally, sometimes the feta needs a helping hand - a little extra goes a long way.