Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, chilled salad featuring tender orzo, juicy cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and briny olives, tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes pairs orzo pasta, olive oil, red onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 1 cup orzo pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooled orzo, 1/2 cup finely diced red onion, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese.
  4. Step 4: Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until everything is coated.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh mint and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Step 6: Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orzo pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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