You know those recipes that never let you down? That’s exactly what my Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is. It’s the best dish for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and sunny picnics. This dish delivers a punch of flavor with minimal effort—because, let’s face it, we’ve got lives to live, not hours to spend in the kitchen.
What makes this recipe shine is the combination of oval-shaped orzo pasta (which has the perfect rice-like texture), tangy feta cheese, fresh veggies, and bold Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re meal-prepping or whipping it up in a time crunch, this orzo pasta salad is a great recipe to have in your back pocket.
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What Makes Orzo the Perfect Pasta for Salads?
Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that is incredibly versatile. It cooks quickly, holds onto dressings beautifully, and has a subtle nutty flavor that makes it a delicious side dish or a star on its own. Cooking orzo al dente ensures it doesn’t turn mushy in your salad. Its texture balances the crunch of the fresh veggies and the creaminess of the feta cheese. Plus, the small size makes it easy to scoop up all the goodness in each bite!
What Are The Ingredients For This Mediterranean Pasta Recipe?
What makes a Mediterranean orzo pasta salad so special is its simplicity. Every ingredient has a purpose, coming together to create a perfectly balanced blend of flavors.
- Whole Wheat Orzo: You can stick with whole wheat or go for regular orzo. Don't have orzo? Try other small pastas like ditalini, stelline, or even small shells.
- Zucchini: This veggie is a total crowd-pleaser. It's easy to cook, mild in flavor, and adds a nice texture to the salad.
- Frozen Peas: If you’re in a pinch, canned peas work just as well! They bring a nice pop of sweetness and color.
- Corn: Fresh corn is always a winner, but frozen corn gets the job done just fine. It adds a little sweetness and crunch.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Fresh spinach is always the go-to for its vibrant color and taste.
- Grape Tomatoes: Slice them up and add them right into the pasta. Their tangy flavor is a must for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil ties everything together and helps the pasta soak up the flavors of the salad.
- Butter: You’ll use butter for sautéing the veggies, giving them that rich, delicious flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic brings a savory depth without being overpowering.
- Oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb, oregano is a must-have here for its earthy and aromatic flavor.
- Feta: A few crumbles of feta on top add that creamy, salty finishing touch, rounding out the whole salad beautifully.
See the recipe card below for specific quantities.
How do I make this mediterranean orzo pasta salad?
Creating this salad is straightforward, but every step matters. Here’s how to do it right:
Cook the Orzo and Prep the Veggies
Boil a large pot of water and cook the orzo is al dente, then strain, pour back into the pot, and set aside.
Meanwhile, sauté the baby spinach is the tablespoon of butter. Once the spinach has wilted, add in the frozen corn, peas, zucchini and tomatoes. Sprinkle the garlic powder and toss to combine. Let sit for a few minutes on a low flame, approximately 5-6 minutes or until zucchini is tender and soft. Once the vegetables have become soft and tender, add the vegetables to the orzo.
Combine and Serve
Drizzle a little olive oil, oregano, and salt and pepper into the pot. Stir to combine.Plate and add fresh feta crumbles and serve.
HINT: Cooking the pasta to al dente means "to the tooth," meaning the pasta has a bite to it. You don't want to overcook the pasta, so be sure to follow the directions carefully or cook the pasta a minute shorter than the packaging suggests.
Pasta Swaps and Substitutions
I would be remiss if I didn't offer you some substitution and swap options for this recipe, so that you can fully enjoy it, regardless of any dietary needs.
- Pasta -swap out the whole wheat orzo for another type of shorter pasta like ditalini, pastina, or small shells.
- Cheese - swap the regular feta for a dairy-free option.
- Veggies - you can opt to use a variety of vegetables in this dish such as sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, bell pepper, and onions.
Ways to vary this mediterranean pasta salad
One of the benefits of making a pasta recipe is that there are a bunch of ways to vary how you serve and make this dish. Here's a few ideas:
- Spice - add chili pepper flakes to the pasta as you mix in the ricotta and marinara.
- Veggies - add some spinach, broccoli, or peas if you want to make this a veggie-friendly recipe.
- Meat - you can add in some grilled shrimp, salmon, or seasoned chicken to this dish for some added protein.
Why you'll love this orzo pasta salad
My favorite reason for making this dish is due to the fact that this dish doesn't require a crazy amount of ingredients or unnecessary items. All it takes is some orzo, veggies, and oil. Of course, we need the feta cheese because it wouldn't be a Mediterranean-style dish without it! This recipe is great for:
- Meal prep
- Easy lunch prep
- Quick weeknight meals
- Meatless Monday options
PRO TIP:
Don't be afraid to drizzle more olive oil atop the orzo pasta salad once it's assembled, this will give more rich and robust flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of pasta is orzo?
Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta with a smooth texture and mild flavor. Its size and shape make it perfect for salads and soups.
2. How do I store leftover orzo salad?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and tastes even better as the flavors develop.
3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the feta cheese and butter for a vegan alternative or leave it out entirely. The fresh veggies and dressing are flavorful enough to carry the dish.
4. What other veggies can I add?
This salad is versatile! Try cucumbers, bell peppers, or even roasted zucchini for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Can I serve this warm?
While this salad is traditionally served chilled, it’s also delicious slightly warm. Just mix everything while the orzo is still warm for a comforting twist.
Hungry for more?
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a quick and simple pasta recipe, this orzo salad has got you covered. Trust me—once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your rotation. So, grab your cups of orzo, get chopping, and enjoy the easiest, most satisfying pasta dish you’ll ever make.
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Mediterranean Orzo Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 medium frying pan
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 strainer
- 1 medium serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat orzo
- 1 zucchini diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ cup feta crumbles
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of water and cook the orzo is al dente, then strain, pour back into the pot, and set aside.
- Meanwhile, sauté the baby spinach is the tablespoon of butter. Once the spinach has wilted, add in the frozen corn, peas, zucchini and tomatoes.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder and toss to combine. Let sit for a few minutes on a low flame, approximately 5-6 minutes or until zucchini is tender and soft.
- Once the vegetables have become soft and tender, add the vegetables to the orzo.
- Drizzle the olive oil, oregano, and salt and pepper into the pot. Stir to combine.
- Plate and add fresh feta crumbles and serve.
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