Tomato Feta Orzo Salad (Print Version)

Mediterranean-style orzo with juicy tomatoes, creamy feta, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 1/4 cups orzo

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 small red onion, finely diced

→ Dairy

04 - 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

→ Herbs & Greens

05 - 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dressing

07 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
09 - 1 garlic clove, minced
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
03 - Add the cooled orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, crumbled feta, chopped basil, and parsley to the bowl with the dressing.
04 - Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated with the dressing.
05 - Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 4 hours to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes even better a few hours after you make it, so your work is mostly done before guests arrive.
  • Feta and tomatoes together have this magic where each bite feels both bright and creamy, like nothing else.
  • You can dress it up as a side or eat it straight from the bowl for lunch—it's genuinely that flexible.
02 -
  • Rinsing the orzo in cold water is non-negotiable—it's the only thing standing between you and a gluey mess.
  • The dressing should taste a bit bold on its own, because the pasta will dilute it slightly as everything sits together.
03 -
  • Make this a few hours ahead if you're bringing it somewhere—the flavors marry together and everything tastes more cohesive and intentional.
  • If it sits overnight and the dressing gets absorbed, toss it with a splash of fresh olive oil and a squeeze of lemon to brighten it back up.
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