Orzo Pasta Salad: Italian Grain Salad with Lemon-Vinaigrette
The quality of the pasta defines your orzo pasta salad. Choose a brand made from durum wheat to ensure the grains maintain their structure after boiling. Avoid any pasta that feels overly powdery or smells of old storage, as these will turn mushy during the cooling process. Firm grains provide the necessary contrast to the soft feta and crisp vegetables.
This dish is a bright, refreshing combination of halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives. You whisk together a dressing of 75 ml extra-virgin olive oil, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, and fresh lemon juice to create a zesty emulsion. Spread the cooked grains on a sheet pan for 15 min to cool to room temperature before mixing. This step prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and allows it to absorb the dressing. The result is a light Italian salad that balances salt and acidity.
Orzo Pasta Salad: Italian Grain Salad with Lemon-Vinaigrette
Recipe cardIngredients
Watch how it's made
Instructions
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Cook the orzo
Bring 4 l of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 10 g of sea salt and stir in the orzo pasta. Cook for 8 min until al dente so the grains retain their shape, then drain them in a colander.
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Cool the pasta
Transfer the drained orzo to a sheet pan. Spread the pasta thinly to promote rapid cooling. Shake the pan occasionally for 15 min to keep the grains separate and prevent clumping.
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Prepare the vegetables
Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the cucumber. Thinly slice the red onion and the pitted olives. Crumble the feta cheese so it distributes evenly through the salad.
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Whisk the dressing
Combine the olive oil, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, sea salt and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until an emulsion forms. This ensures the dressing clings to the pasta instead of pooling at the bottom.
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Assemble the salad
Add the cooled orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives and feta to the bowl. Gently toss the mixture with a spoon. Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated in the zesty vinaigrette.
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Chill the salad
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or back to the sheet pan. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 15 min. This resting period allows the flavours to meld and deepen.
Do not skip the cooling step on the sheet pan. If you add dressing to hot orzo, the pasta grains will absorb the liquid too quickly and become mushy. Ensure the pasta is at room temperature to maintain a distinct, firm texture in every bite.
Orzo Pasta Substitutes
Substitute the orzo with gluten-free orzo to maintain the texture. You may also use pearl couscous for a similar grain size. Do not use long pasta or rice as these will not integrate with the finely diced vegetables and will change the mouthfeel of the salad.
What to serve with it
Pair this salad with grilled Mediterranean chicken or lamb for a hearty lunch. You can also serve it alongside warm pita bread and tabbouleh for a complete meal. For barbecues or potlucks, provide freshly baked baguettes to complement the bright, savoury flavours of the lemon-oil dressing.
Storing and reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best flavour. Keep the salad at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours. Do not freeze this dish because the cheese and fresh vegetables will lose their structure and texture.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 285
- Protein
- 8.2 g
- Carbs
- 26.4 g
- Fat
- 16.8 g
- Fiber
- 2.1 g
- Sugar
- 4.5 g
Estimated, and offered as a guide rather than a medical figure.
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Questions people ask
What is the dressing for an orzo pasta salad?
Use a lemon-oil vinaigrette. Combine extra-virgin olive oil, apple juice, apple cider vinegar, and fresh lemon juice with dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a bright, acidic emulsion that balances the saltiness of the feta.
Is orzo healthier than rice or pasta?
Orzo is a type of pasta made from semolina flour. Its nutritional profile is similar to other wheat pastas. You can use gluten-free orzo if you require a diet without wheat proteins.
Should you rinse orzo after cooking for pasta salad?
Yes, rinse or cool the pasta rapidly on a sheet pan. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, which prevents the grains from sticking together or becoming mushy when you add the dressing.
