Description
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
Scale
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:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain, rinse under cold water to cool, and set aside. - Prep the vegetables & herbs:
Add tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, parsley, dill, and mint to a large bowl. - Make the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. - Combine:
Add cooled orzo to the bowl of vegetables.
Pour dressing over the top and toss until everything is coated. - Add feta:
Gently fold in the crumbled feta to keep some larger chunks. - Chill & serve:
You can serve immediately, but it tastes even better after resting 20–30 minutes.
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Pasta Salad
- Method: Stovetop + No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: ~3g
- Sodium: ~420mg
- Fat: ~14g
- Saturated Fat: ~4g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~32g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~7g
- Cholesterol: ~15mg
Keywords: orzo salad, Mediterranean salad, feta salad, lemon herb pasta, summer salad, cold pasta salad, easy lunch, meal prep salad