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Mediterranean Orzo Salad – Bright, Fresh, and Easy

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups dry orzo
  • 1 English cucumber, diced (or 2 Persian cucumbers)
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, finely minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (more to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional but great)
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional, rounds out acidity)
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain well and spread on a sheet pan to cool slightly, or toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon, garlic, oregano, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  3. Prep the vegetables: While the orzo cools, dice the cucumber and pepper, halve the tomatoes and olives, and finely mince the red onion. Chop parsley and mint.
  4. Toss warm orzo with dressing: Add the slightly warm orzo to a large bowl and pour over about two-thirds of the dressing. Toss to coat. Let it sit 5–10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  5. Add the veggies and herbs: Fold in cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, olives, parsley, and mint. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Add feta and adjust: Sprinkle in the feta and gently mix. Taste and add more dressing, salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.
  7. Rest and serve: If time allows, chill for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.