Tomato Feta Orzo Salad (Printable Version)

Mediterranean orzo salad with fresh tomatoes, crumbled feta, herbs, and a tangy dressing, ready in 25 minutes.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 1/4 cups orzo

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 small red onion, finely diced

→ Dairy

04 - 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

→ Herbs & Greens

05 - 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dressing

07 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
09 - 1 garlic clove, minced
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Boil orzo in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
02 - Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
03 - Add cooled orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, crumbled feta, basil, and parsley to the dressing.
04 - Toss all ingredients gently until evenly coated with the dressing.
05 - Taste and modify salt and pepper as needed.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to enhance flavors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, which means dinner on busy nights or last-minute gathering food that feels intentional.
  • The longer it sits, the better it tastes—the flavors meld into something almost creamy without any cream involved.
  • You can make it your own by swapping in whatever vegetables are calling to you that day.
02 -
  • Cooling the orzo matters—warm pasta will wilt the basil and make the feta greasy, so don't skip that cold water rinse.
  • Make the dressing first, before anything else is in the bowl, so you can taste it and adjust before the other elements are involved.
03 -
  • If your feta is particularly salty, crumble it in at the last moment so it doesn't overwhelm the dressing; if it's milder, you can add it earlier and let it meld.
  • Keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve if you're transporting this dish somewhere—add it just before serving for the crispest vegetables and brightest flavors.
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