Description
A refreshing, no-cook-required pasta salad that comes together in under 30 minutes using simple, budget-friendly ingredients like orzo, lemon, olive oil, and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a medium saucepan with 4 cups of water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add the orzo to the boiling water and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente.
- Drain the orzo in a colander and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Shake to remove excess water.
- While the pasta cooks, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the herbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo and pour the dressing over it. Toss to coat and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to the bowl. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and toss gently to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Rinsing the pasta is crucial to remove starch and prevent clumping. The salad tastes even better the next day after sitting in the fridge. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, add a splash of water or lemon juice before serving. Do not freeze this salad as the fresh veggies will become soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 9
Keywords: orzo pasta salad, budget meal, summer salad, quick dinner, meal prep, vegetarian, gluten-free option, healthy pasta salad