Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Herbs

Name: Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Herbs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/3 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: World Kitchen Moments

I absolutely love making Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Herbs because it brings a burst of fresh flavors and vibrant colors to my table. The combination of al dente orzo pasta, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs creates a bright and refreshing dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m enjoying it as a light lunch or serving it at a gathering, this salad never fails to impress. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for me.

Created by

Ella Townsend

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:09:36.371Z

I remember the first time I made this Mediterranean Orzo Salad; the vibrant colors of the vegetables and the fragrant herbs drew me in. I experimented with different herbs like parsley and dill, and found that the combination really enhances the flavor. The orzo pasta absorbs the dressing beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience.

What I love the most about this salad is its versatility. You can easily throw in leftover grilled chicken or even chickpeas for extra protein. When I serve it chilled, the flavors meld together, creating a dish that's not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors and herb goodness
Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients
Perfect as a side dish or a light meal

The Role of Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs like parsley and dill are essential in this Mediterranean Orzo Salad, adding a bright, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish. When selecting herbs, look for vibrant, intact leaves, as they impart the best taste. Chopping them finely releases their essential oils, allowing their flavors to integrate seamlessly into the salad. If you can’t find fresh herbs, dried versions can be used, but only about one-third of the amount, as they are more concentrated in flavor.

Timing and temperature can also affect the pungency of herbs. For instance, add the chopped herbs just before serving; exposure to heat or prolonged storage can diminish their vibrant taste. If you're making the salad ahead of time, keep the herbs separate until you're ready to serve for the best flavor.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The combination of vegetables in this salad not only brings color but also texture that complements the chewy orzo perfectly. When selecting cherry tomatoes, choose ripe and plump ones, as they will add sweetness to the dish. For cucumbers, English cucumbers offer a crisp bite and are generally seedless, making them a favored choice.

Feel free to vary the vegetables based on what’s in season or your preferences. Zucchini or roasted bell peppers can be great substitutes, offering different textures and flavors. Just ensure any substitutions are either fresh or lightly cooked to retain their crunch, which balances well against the soft orzo.

Ingredients

For the Salad

1 cup orzo pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

For the Dressing

1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Orzo

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until combined.

Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, dill, and feta cheese.

Dress the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve

Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes. This salad can be made a day in advance for even better flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for meal prep. To maintain freshness, you can prepare the orzo and chop the vegetables a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, the salad won’t become soggy, and the flavors will remain bright when you combine everything just before serving.

If you want to make the dressing ahead of time, simply store it in a sealed jar in the fridge. Give it a good shake before drizzling it on the salad. The olive oil may solidify because of the cool temperature, so allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to re-emulsify.

Serving Suggestions

This salad thrives as a standalone dish, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken or shrimp, enhancing any barbecue or picnic. Serve it alongside a zesty lemon wedge, which not only adds a touch of freshness but also brightens the rich flavors of the orzo and feta cheese, creating a well-rounded meal.

If you're serving this dish at a potluck or gathering, consider garnishing it with additional feta and a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs just before serving. This makes for an enticing presentation, inviting guests to dig in while adding an extra layer of flavor that showcases the Mediterranean essence of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include any vegetables you like, such as zucchini or artichokes.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

No, orzo is typically made from wheat. You can substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.