Zesty Feta & Herb Orzo Salad

This Zesty Feta & Herb Orzo Salad is the vibrant, refreshing side dish your table has been waiting for! Bursting with crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and tangy feta, this colorful bowl is tossed in a bright lemony dressing that brings every ingredient to life. It’s quick, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or light lunches. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this Mediterranean-inspired salad delivers fresh, zesty goodness in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
• 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional but delicious)

For the Zesty Dressing

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Cook the orzo

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain, rinse under cold water to cool, and set aside.

Prep the vegetables & herbs

4. Add tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, parsley, dill, and mint to a large bowl.

Make the dressing

5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Combine

6. Add cooled orzo to the bowl of vegetables.
7. Pour dressing over the top and toss until everything is coated.

Add feta

8. Gently fold in the crumbled feta, keeping some larger chunks for texture.

Chill & serve

9. Serve immediately or let rest for 20–30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

Variations

• Add Protein: Try grilled chicken, lemony shrimp, chickpeas, or baked salmon for a heartier, more filling meal. Each option pairs beautifully with the fresh citrus and herbs.
• Make It Creamy: Mix 2–3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt into the dressing for a tangy, creamy finish that turns the dish into a comforting pasta salad.
• Make It Spicy: Add chopped pepperoncini, sliced jalapeños, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the salad a lively kick.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This salad stays fresh for 3–4 days in the fridge. The herbs soften slightly but the flavors deepen, especially with a squeeze of lemon before serving.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta, quinoa, or even rice for a naturally gluten-free version.

Cooking Notes

• Letting the orzo cool fully prevents the herbs from wilting and keeps the salad crisp.
• Rinsing the pasta helps remove excess starch so the dressing coats everything lightly and evenly.
• For maximum flavor, crumble the feta yourself instead of using pre-crumbled it’s creamier and fresher.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, souvlaki, roasted vegetables, or Mediterranean-style fish for a bright, balanced plate.
• Light Lunch: Pack it for work or school it tastes even better after a few hours as the dressing soaks in.
• Potlucks & Parties: This salad holds up well at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.
• Summer Spread: Pair it with hummus, pita, tzatziki, and fresh fruit for a refreshing and colorful mezze-style meal.

Tips

• Chop veggies evenly: Uniform pieces help the salad look beautiful and ensure each bite is perfectly balanced.
• Taste and adjust: Depending on your feta’s saltiness, you may want more lemon, pepper, or herbs. Don’t be afraid to tweak!
• Use fresh herbs generously: Parsley, dill, and mint are the heart of this salad doubling them creates an even brighter flavor.
• Make ahead: If preparing in advance, add the feta just before serving to keep it from dissolving into the dressing.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: ~7g
• Sodium: ~420mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this salad the night before?
   Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Just refresh with a squeeze of lemon before serving.
2. Can I use different herbs?
   Absolutely basil, chives, or cilantro all work well if you want to switch things up.
3. Does this salad freeze well?
   No, pasta salads generally don’t freeze well due to texture changes. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
4. Can I use vegan feta?
   Yes! Vegan feta works perfectly and still adds that salty, tangy punch.

Conclusion

This Zesty Feta & Herb Orzo Salad is a fresh, delicious, and endlessly versatile dish that brings Mediterranean sunshine to your table. Whether enjoyed as a simple lunch, a vibrant side, or a flavorful potluck favorite, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every bright, herb-packed bite!

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