Authentic Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe 

This genuine Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe, brimming with Mediterranean essence, fresh tomatoes, black olives, aromatic herbs, and feta cheese, serves as an ideal side dish for almost any meal!

What Is Orzo?

Pasta! 

Orzo is essentially pasta, similar to how couscous is considered pasta. 

What makes it special is that it’s not a bulky, overwhelming pasta usually found in main courses. 

In most dishes, pasta takes center stage. 

Not with orzo.

This tiny pasta, which resembles rice and barley, can be used in numerous delectable ways.

It’s equally delightful in both cold and hot recipes. 

Mediterranean Salad vs Greek Orzo Salad

Across various regions in the Middle East, just like in Greece, unique local ingredients and flavors are woven into our dishes.

Every Greek is likely to assert ownership over a Greek Orzo Salad. 

In the same vein, a Mediterranean orzo salad has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for a long time. 

However, the reality is that orzo hails from Italy, utilized in as many creative ways as pasta or rice. 

So, let’s enjoy my favorite Mediterranean flavors in this delightful orzo pasta salad!

My Mediterranean Dish For National Television Cooking Competition!

Participating in The Great American Recipe with PBS was an incredible opportunity to display many of my beloved dishes. 

Episode 5 presented the challenge titled ‘Once In A Lifetime.’

We were asked to select one dish that embodies a cherished special occasion and how we celebrate it. 

In my family, everyone gets involved in cooking, with a few professionals among us. 

One of my sons, a professional chef, prepares his mom’s favorite meal every year for my birthday; Lamb chops, Green bean bundles, and a Mediterranean orzo salad. 

And so, for episode 5, that was my choice.

As a result, I won that round!

Thus, this authentic Mediterranean orzo pasta salad recipe is truly a winner, just ask the judges!

Authentic Mediterranean Salad

What constitutes a Mediterranean salad? 

It’s all about simple ingredients: fresh tomatoes, herbs, sheep or goat cheese, and homemade dressing!

For my truly authentic Mediterranean salad, I opted for sun-dried tomatoes in place of fresh ones.

Sun-dried tomatoes pack a more intense flavor, akin to raisins, as the moisture gets removed during the drying process. 

This technique enhances the tomato’s taste while the water content in a fresh tomato can lead to a watery, messy salad.

Vegan Mediterranean Orzo Salad And Vegetarian Orzo Salad

This scrumptious orzo pasta salad is entirely suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets, except for the feta cheese and the small amount of butter used for sautéing the garlic.

You can easily replace the feta with a vegan alternative, and swap the butter for olive oil when sautéing the garlic before adding the orzo and water. 

The fresh flavors of parsley, zesty olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, paired with the dressing, deliver plenty of taste on their own.

Nonetheless, you can choose to add store-bought vegan cheese or whip up your own cashew cheese, which is flavorful as well.

Looking For Options To Put In Your Orzo Pasta Salad?

Oh, I have plenty of options for you!

While I usually prepare this delightful orzo salad just as outlined in the recipe, it can easily be transformed into a hearty main course.

Staying true to the Mediterranean essence I adore, here are a few tasty additions that complement the original recipe:

• Thinly sliced red bell pepper for a pop of crunch and color.
• Crunchy cucumbers that provide a refreshing contrast to the briny olives.
• Grape tomatoes as a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes.
• Artichoke hearts make a fantastic addition.
• Even garbanzo beans or fava beans for a protein boost.
• Try some quickly sautéed squid drizzled with a bit of the homemade dressing and served atop the orzo pasta salad for a complete meal.

What Makes This An Easy Pasta Salad Recipe?

During the warm summer months, when home gardens and farmers markets overflow with fresh ingredients, you only need to cook the orzo pasta. 

Here’s a straightforward method for prepping the orzo ahead of time to make this Mediterranean orzo salad a breeze to assemble.

• Boil a large pot of salted water and cook several bags of dry orzo.
• Ensure the orzo is cooked al dente (firm to the bite), so be sure to test it.
• Quickly drain and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process.
• Drain thoroughly again.
• Store in a sizable airtight container, drizzling a little olive oil while stirring to prevent sticking.
• Keep a jar of Homemade Salad Dressing in your fridge, and you’ll have this easy pasta salad ready in no time.

Refrigerate until you’re ready to mix the orzo salad.

What To Serve With Mediterranean Orzo Salad

As you might recall (from above), while I was preparing this orzo salad on television, I paired it with lamb chops and green beans.

Alternatively, you might opt to serve this delightful salad for a light lunch.

Nothing complements it better than a loaf of Olive bread!

Ingredients Needed

• Orzo
• Butter
• Garlic
• Water
• Salt
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Pitted Black olives
• Feta cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon juice and zest
• Olive oil

Equipment Needed

• 4-quart pot
• Strainer
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Chopping knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cup
• Measuring spoons
• Stovetop or burner