Tomato and Feta Orzo Salad with Fresh Herbs
A refreshing Mediterranean orzo salad tossed with ripe tomatoes, tangy feta, and aromatic fresh herbs. This greek-inspired salads (vegetarian, mediterranean) ready in about 19 minutes pairs orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, halved, feta cheese, crumbled 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 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup orzo pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Drain well.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo with 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato and Feta Orzo Salad with Fresh Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 19 minutes (10 min prep + 9 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 Tomato and Feta Orzo Salad with Fresh Herbs?
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 Tomato and Feta Orzo Salad with Fresh Herbs?
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 Tomato and Feta Orzo Salad with Fresh Herbs 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.
Is Tomato and Feta Orzo Salad with Fresh Herbs vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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