Description
This Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying dish featuring tender orzo pasta, crisp vegetables, zesty natural dressing, and creamy plant-based feta cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or dinner side, it offers a refreshing and wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meal with a burst of colors and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup plump cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup crisp cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup plant-based feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Dressing (Natural)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Cook the orzo pasta in salted boiling water until tender yet slightly firm (al dente). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta quickly.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley and mint. Place all in a large salad bowl.
- Make the Dressing (Natural): In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooled orzo pasta to the bowl with vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add Plant-Based Cheese and Olives: Fold in the crumbled plant-based feta cheese and sliced black olives last to maintain their texture and flavor contrast. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Do not overcook the orzo to avoid mushy texture; rinsing with cold water stops cooking and cools it quickly.
- Use the freshest cherry tomatoes and herbs available for the best vibrancy and flavor.
- If making ahead, keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness and crisp textures.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Taste the dressing and adjust acidity or seasoning to complement your vegetables perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Mediterranean salad, orzo pasta salad, plant-based feta, fresh vegetable salad, quick salad, light lunch, gluten free salad
