Delicious & Easy Tomato Feta Orzo Salad: Your Perfect Summer Side Dish
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this incredibly light yet profoundly flavor-packed Tomato Feta Orzo Salad. This recipe masterfully combines tender orzo pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp English cucumber, fresh basil and parsley, peppery arugula, and creamy crumbled feta cheese, all brought together by a zesty balsamic dressing. It’s the quintessential dish for utilizing your bountiful summer produce, making it an ideal choice for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or simply as a refreshing meal any day of the week.
Why This Tomato Feta Orzo Salad is a Must-Try
Orzo salads have long been a favorite, especially when fresh produce is abundant in late summer. This particular Tomato Feta Orzo Salad builds upon that love, offering a vibrant twist on classic pasta salads. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that come together in a symphony of flavors and textures.
What makes this salad truly exceptional is its perfect balance. The small, rice-shaped orzo pasta provides a satisfying base without being too heavy, while the generous inclusion of fresh vegetables like diced English cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes adds delightful crunch and bursts of sweetness. The peppery kick of fresh arugula, combined with the aromatic notes of basil and parsley, elevates the freshness factor. Creamy feta cheese introduces a tangy, salty counterpoint, and the homemade balsamic dressing ties it all together with a beautiful acidic zing. A unique touch of tomato paste in the dressing deepens the overall tomato flavor, though it can be omitted if preferred.
Much like my popular Summer Orzo Pasta Salad and the delightful Greek Orzo Pasta Salad, this recipe is designed for convenience and flavor. It’s fantastic for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy fresh, healthy lunches throughout the week, and impressive enough to share with a crowd at any gathering.
Key Ingredients for an Outstanding Orzo Salad
The beauty of this salad lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes each component shine:
- Orzo Pasta: While regular orzo is fantastic, consider whole wheat orzo for an added nutritional boost and a slightly nuttier flavor. The key is to cook it al dente, ensuring it holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with other ingredients. Rinsing it under cold water after cooking helps stop the cooking process and prevents sticking.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal here, as their small size and concentrated sweetness burst with flavor when halved. Ripe, in-season tomatoes will make a world of difference.
- English Cucumber: Known for its thin skin and fewer seeds, English cucumber offers a lovely crisp texture without needing to be peeled. Dicing it into small, bite-sized pieces ensures even distribution throughout the salad.
- Arugula: This leafy green adds a wonderful peppery, slightly bitter note that cuts through the richness of the feta and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes. Its tender leaves don’t require much chopping.
- Fresh Herbs (Basil & Parsley): These aromatic herbs are non-negotiable for that fresh, vibrant taste. Basil provides a sweet, aromatic flavor, while parsley offers a clean, herbaceous counterpoint. Don’t skimp on these!
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese is the star, bringing a salty, tangy, and creamy element that is central to the salad’s Mediterranean-inspired profile. Opt for good quality block feta and crumble it yourself for the best texture and flavor.
- Balsamic Dressing: The homemade dressing is simple but impactful. Extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar form the base, while a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness. A touch of Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing, and the optional (but highly recommended) teaspoon of tomato paste deepens the savory, umami notes, enhancing the tomato flavor in the salad.
HOW TO MAKE AN ORZO SALAD: Step-by-Step
Crafting this delicious orzo salad is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even beginner cooks. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch:
- The first step is to boil the orzo according to the package directions. Ensure it’s cooked to al dente for the best texture. Once cooked, drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta quickly.
- While your orzo is cooking and cooling, prepare your fresh vegetables. Dice the English cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the fresh basil and parsley leaves.
- Next, you will want to prep the vibrant balsamic dressing. In a mason jar or a salad dressing container, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste (if using), Dijon mustard, a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Seal the jar and shake vigorously, or whisk well, until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified.
- Place the cooled orzo in a large mixing bowl. Add the diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, chopped herbs, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy this easy orzo salad that’s perfect for a crowd!
Can I Prep This Salad Ahead of Time?
One of the best features of orzo salads is their suitability for make-ahead convenience, and this Tomato Feta Orzo Salad is no exception. You can certainly prep most of this salad in advance, which makes entertaining or meal prepping a breeze.
However, for optimal freshness and texture, I highly recommend waiting to add the tomatoes, cucumbers, and especially the arugula until just before you are ready to serve. These ingredients tend to release water and can become soggy or lose their crispness after sitting in the dressing for too long. If you’re preparing it several hours ahead, store the cooked orzo, feta, and herbs (tossed lightly with a little olive oil to prevent sticking) separately from the diced vegetables and arugula. Keep the dressing in its own container.
If you do have leftovers that have been fully dressed, a quick fix to refresh the salad is to add a little more balsamic vinegar and a drizzle of fresh extra virgin olive oil before eating it again. A quick toss will revive the flavors and textures, making it almost as good as fresh.
OTHER VARIATIONS FOR THIS SALAD
While this Tomato Feta Orzo Salad is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile and adaptable to your personal preferences or whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to customize your salad:
- PASTA: Although I’m a big fan of orzo for its delicate texture that blends seamlessly with other ingredients, you can easily substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti. The beauty of the vegetable, feta, and dressing combination is that it works wonderfully with almost any pasta you choose.
- OLIVES: For those who love a briny, savory kick, adding olives is a must. Kalamata olives offer a rich, fruity flavor, while green olives provide a sharper, saltier note. Both would be excellent additions to this Mediterranean-inspired orzo salad.
- NUTS: To introduce a delightful crunch and an extra layer of healthy fats, consider adding nuts. Toasted pine nuts bring a buttery richness, slivered almonds offer a subtle nuttiness, and chopped walnuts provide a robust, earthy flavor.
- CHEESE: Beyond feta, which provides a wonderful tangy creaminess, other cheeses can elevate this salad. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as suggested in the recipe, adds a sharp, umami finish. Creamy goat cheese would lend a delicate tang, while small cubes of fresh mozzarella or a shaving of ricotta salata would add a milder, refreshing element.
- VEGETABLES: This salad is a fantastic canvas for a variety of vegetables. Feel free to incorporate whatever seasonal produce you have. Consider adding finely diced zucchini for a fresh bite, thinly sliced red onion for a pungent crunch, shredded carrots for sweetness and color, or roasted red peppers for a smoky, sweet depth. Sun-dried tomatoes, either oil-packed or rehydrated, would intensify the tomato flavor, and colorful bell peppers would add both visual appeal and a crisp texture.
- BEANS: To boost the protein content and make this salad a more substantial vegetarian meal, add some beans. Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are a classic choice for their earthy flavor and firm texture. White beans or kidney beans would also work well, providing a creamy contrast to the crisp vegetables.
- PROTEIN: For a complete and satisfying main course, incorporate your favorite cooked protein. Grilled chicken, thinly sliced steak, or flaky salmon would all be excellent choices. If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient and delicious addition.
- DRESSING: While the balsamic, olive oil, and tomato paste dressing is a winner, don’t hesitate to experiment with other light and flavorful dressings. A simple red wine vinaigrette, a lemon-tahini dressing, or even a sumac lemon dressing would complement the fresh ingredients beautifully. The key is to keep the dressing on the lighter side to allow the natural flavors of the vegetables and cheese to shine through.
WHAT SHOULD I SERVE THIS SALAD WITH?
This Tomato Feta Orzo Salad is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. Its fresh, vibrant flavors complement grilled meats, seafood, and even other vegetarian entrees beautifully. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- LEMON CHICKEN: The bright, citrusy notes of lemon chicken are a natural match for the zesty dressing and fresh vegetables in the orzo salad.
- MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN: Enhance the Mediterranean theme by serving this salad alongside a flavorful Mediterranean chicken dish, creating a cohesive and delightful meal.
- GRILLED BEEF KAFTA KABOBS: The rich, spiced flavors of kafta kabobs are beautifully balanced by the lightness and tang of the orzo salad, making for a perfect summer meal.
- SEA BASS: For a lighter but equally satisfying pairing, serve this salad with perfectly cooked sea bass. The freshness of the salad complements the delicate flavor of the fish.
Beyond these suggestions, this salad also works wonderfully with grilled salmon, lamb chops, or simply as a light and satisfying vegetarian lunch on its own.
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Tomato Feta Orzo Salad
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces orzo pasta, cooked according to package (try whole wheat for a healthier version)
- 1/2 english cucumber, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 cup arugula
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
Instructions
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Cook the orzo according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water to cool, then set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, chopped parsley, arugula, and crumbled feta cheese. Add the cooled orzo and mix gently to combine.
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For the dressing, in a mason jar or salad dressing container, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously until well combined and emulsified.
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Drizzle the prepared dressing over the orzo and vegetable mixture. Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This Tomato Feta Orzo Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the freshness of summer with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering, looking for healthy meal prep options, or simply craving a light and satisfying meal, this salad delivers every time. Its vibrant colors, diverse textures, and harmonious blend of flavors make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a staple for any home cook. Dive in and enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!