Herby Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

Diving into this Mediterranean-inspired delight feels like a culinary vacation I didn’t know I needed—each bite of orzo salad is bursting with fresh flavors and creamy, tangy magic that just hits different.

I delight in making mouthwatering and healthful meals; my Herby Orzo Pasta Salad is no exception. No less than the lively cherry tomatoes, the irresistible crunch of cucumber, and the salty delight of Kalamata olives, this salad is a straight shot of vitamins and healthful fats.

Add to that a hefty dose of feta and generous handfuls of pine nuts, and you have a serious salad that’s nearly a meal, with a protein punch that runs from the afternoon to the evening.

Herby Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Orzo Pasta: Provides carbohydrates, offering quick energy and a hearty base.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, add sweetness and vibrant color.
• Cucumber: Hydrating and low in calories, adds a refreshing crunch.
• Red Onion: Offers a sharp, zesty flavor and subtle heat.
• Kalamata Olives: Packed with healthy fats, contribute a savory and briny taste.
• Feta Cheese: Adds protein and a creamy, tangy flavor.
• Pine Nuts: Offer healthy fats and a nutty crunch.
• Olive Oil: Source of monounsaturated fats, enriches the salad’s texture and flavor.

Herby Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
• 1 ½ cups (220g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (150g) cucumber, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• ½ cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup (35g) pine nuts, toasted
• ½ cup (120ml) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (20g) fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup (20g) fresh basil, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

How to Make this Herby Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

1. Prepare the orzo pasta as directed on the package. When done, ensure it is cooked to the al dente stage; if not, return it to the pot and cook it a little longer. Drain the orzo in a colander, and then rinse it thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process. It is important to not skip or skimp on this step, as excessive heat will continue to form gluten and can make the orzo gummy. Set the pasta aside to cool.

2. In a large mixing bowl, mix the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.

3. In a tiny frying pan over moderate heat, brown the pine nuts, stirring often, until they are a nice golden color. Take off the heat and allow them to cool.

4. In another small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic to make a dressing.

5. Put the vegetables and feta cheese in a bowl. Add the cooled orzo pasta. Fold gently until you have a mixture.

6. Drizzle the pasta salad with the dressing and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

7. Include the toasted pine nuts, freshly chopped parsley, and freshly chopped basil in the salad. Mix well to combine the herbs and nuts throughout the salad.

8. Taste and then adjust the seasoning: I like to use salt and black pepper (niú dīng hū) to make the _______ pop, but you could also use some other spices.

9. Let the salad blend together for at least 15 minutes in a room temperature setting, so that the flavors can meld.

10. Serve the chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the refreshing and vibrant flavors.

Herby Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Pot
2. Colander
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small frying pan
5. Small bowl
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Spoon for mixing
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• What is orzo pasta?Orzo, a pastatype shaped like a large grain of rice, is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.
• Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?Indeed, you can replace feta with goat cheese or a ricotta that crumbles, and you’d get about the same taste and texture.
• How do I toast pine nuts?Toasting pine nuts is easy. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them occasionally. Watch them closely. They will go from pale to gold to brown in a matter of minutes, about 4-5 in total. Enjoy the aromatic nuts as a tasty addition to salads, pastas, or pastries.
• Is there a substitute for Kalamata olives?Feel free to use any variety of black olives or green olives. These will lend the dish a milder flavor.
• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?Fresh herbs supply the best flavor, but if you don’t have them, use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and basil.
• How long will this salad keep in the fridge?You can keep this pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Can the salad be served warm?If you want, you can serve this salad warm. Just mix everything together right after you’ve cooked the orzo.

Herby Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can replace orzo pasta with couscous or quinoa for a gluten-free version.
Substitute grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes for cherry tomatoes.
Replace Kalamata olives with either black or green olives… Black and green olives have a milder flavor than Kalamata olives.
Substitute goat cheese for feta cheese when you want an alternative with a different texture and with a different taste that is still in the family of tastes that make up tangy.

Use goat cheese as an alternative to feta cheese.

Feta cheese originates from the Mediterranean, is made from sheep or goat milk (or both), and has a very low melting point. Its taste is salty and tangy, with a very crumbly texture. Whether it be from the sheep or the goat, goat cheese is a very close second to feta in taste but a far different cheese in texture.
For pine nuts, substitute slivered almonds or chopped walnuts if desired.

Pro Tips

1. Optimize Pasta Texture: Make sure to rinse the orzo thoroughly with cold water after draining. This not only stops the cooking process but also removes excess starch, preventing the pasta from becoming sticky or clumpy.