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Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

30-Minute Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad You’ll Crave

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A refreshing Mediterranean orzo pasta salad with spinach, bell peppers, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, dressed in a zesty lemon-oregano vinaigrette.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces orzo
  • 3 cups baby spinach leaves, gently torn into large pieces
  • 1 ½ cups chopped red bell pepper (about one red bell pepper)
  • 1 cup diced and seeded cucumber (about one medium)
  • ¾ cup diced red onion
  • 5 ounces Castelvetrano green olives, drained and halved
  • 5 ounces Kalamata pitted olives, drained and halved
  • 7 ounces feta cheese
  • ½ cup canola oil
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, season with salt, and cook the orzo for 10 minutes. Drain, rinse, and set aside to cool.
  2. Transfer the cooled orzo to a large mixing bowl. Add the spinach, chopped vegetables, and olives, then crumble half of the feta cheese over the pasta.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk the canola oil, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until mixed. Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and gently fold until coated.
  4. Taste for seasoning and top with remaining feta cheese. Refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight before serving.

Notes

  • Rinse the orzo after cooking to prevent clumping.
  • Pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.
  • Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Can be made a day ahead for better flavor.
  • Author: Livia Reed
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook (except pasta)
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg