Tomato Feta Orzo Salad (Printable Version)

Mediterranean orzo tossed with tomatoes, feta, fresh herbs, and a tangy olive oil dressing.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 1/4 cups orzo

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 small red onion, finely diced

→ Dairy

04 - 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

→ Herbs & Greens

05 - 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dressing

07 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
09 - 1 garlic clove, minced
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Method Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook orzo until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
03 - Add the cooled orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, crumbled feta, chopped basil, and parsley to the bowl with the dressing.
04 - Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated with the dressing.
05 - Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to four hours to allow flavors to blend.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes better the longer it sits, so you can actually make it ahead without stress.
  • The combination of salty feta and fresh herbs feels fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes.
  • It works equally well as a side dish, a light lunch, or even packed into containers for the week.
02 -
  • Cold orzo can feel starchy and clumpy—rinsing it is non-negotiable, and I promise it makes the difference between a good salad and a great one.
  • Add the feta last and toss gently, or you'll end up with crumbles of cheese dust instead of those wonderful creamy pockets.
03 -
  • Taste the dressing before you add the pasta—it should make you sit up a little, because the orzo will absorb some of that intensity.
  • If you're taking this somewhere and worried about the feta crumbling during transport, pack it separately and scatter it on just before serving.
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