Warm Orzo Salad with Feta, Cherry Tomatoes, and Kalamata Olives
A vibrant Greek-inspired warm orzo salad tossed with tangy feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny kalamata olives. This greek-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs orzo pasta, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, halved 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 350 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 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Step 2: While pasta is hot, add 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove to the orzo and toss gently to coat and infuse flavor.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup halved kalamata olives, 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, tossing until combined and warm.
- Step 4: Serve this salad warm or at room temperature as a flavorful side or light main dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Warm Orzo Salad with Feta, Cherry Tomatoes, and Kalamata Olives take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Warm Orzo Salad with Feta, Cherry Tomatoes, and Kalamata Olives?
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 Warm Orzo Salad with Feta, Cherry Tomatoes, and Kalamata Olives?
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 Warm Orzo Salad with Feta, Cherry Tomatoes, and Kalamata Olives 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 Warm Orzo Salad with Feta, Cherry Tomatoes, and Kalamata Olives 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.
