Best Refreshing Orzo Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta
This Refreshing Orzo Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta is the ultimate summer side dish. After making it dozens of times, I’ve discovered the secret to keeping it light and flavorful. The combination of fresh ingredients, like crisp cucumbers and juicy cherry tomatoes, with rich sun-dried tomatoes and tangy feta creates a perfect balance. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy High Protein Smoked Salmon Quinoa Breakfast Bowls and Easy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with Spicy Dipping Sauce.
Why This Best Refreshing Orzo Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta Is Pure Comfort
- Bursting with Mediterranean flavors
- Light and refreshing, perfect for summer cookouts
- Easy to make and better than takeout
- Versatile, can be served as a main or side dish
What You'll Need for Best Refreshing Orzo Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Orzo pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Garlic
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Fresh basil
- Optional: Pine nuts
- Optional: Red pepper flakes
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Orzo: Also known as risoni, it's a type of short-cut pasta shaped like a large grain of rice.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Use oil-packed for extra flavor. Drain and pat dry before using.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Good quality olive oil — Enhances the Mediterranean flavors in the salad. → See on Amazon
- Sharp kitchen knife — Makes quick work of chopping vegetables. → See on Amazon
How to Make Best Refreshing Orzo Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta
- Cook Orzo: Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Add to the bowl with orzo. Crumble feta and add to the bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad.
- Toss and Serve: Toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Best Refreshing Orzo Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the orzo. It should have a slight bite to it. If it's too soft, it will absorb too much dressing and become soggy.
- Pro tip: For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.
- Pro tip: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Storing & Reheating Best Refreshing Orzo Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made up to a day ahead. Add dressing just before serving.
Freezing Best Refreshing Orzo Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta
Not suitable for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary, as it's best served cold or at room temperature. Microwave: Not necessary, as it's best served cold or at room temperature.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the orzo with any small pasta shape, like farfalle or small shells.
- Make-ahead: Prepare all ingredients and dressing ahead of time. Combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe is easily scalable. Just adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add a little more olive oil and vinegar. If it's too wet, let it sit for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to be absorbed by the orzo.
Want to level up this recipe?
Good quality olive oil — Enhances the Mediterranean flavors in the salad. → Check price on Amazon
Best Refreshing Orzo Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Orzo pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Feta cheese
Seasonings
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Garlic
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil
- Pine nuts
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Add to the bowl with orzo. Crumble feta and add to the bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad.
- Toss and Serve: Toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the orzo with any small pasta shape, like farfalle or small shells.
- Make-ahead: Prepare all ingredients and dressing ahead of time. Combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe is easily scalable. Just adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add a little more olive oil and vinegar. If it's too wet, let it sit for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to be absorbed by the orzo.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Not suitable for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary, as it's best served cold or at room temperature.
- Microwave reheat: Not necessary, as it's best served cold or at room temperature.
- Make ahead: Can be made up to a day ahead. Add dressing just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sat. Fat: 4g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Best Refreshing Orzo Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta FAQs
Yes, you can prepare all ingredients and dressing ahead of time. Combine just before serving. It's best enjoyed fresh, but will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Overcooking the orzo and adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. To prevent this, don't overcook the orzo and adjust the amount of dressing to your liking.
No, freezing is not recommended as it can cause the orzo to become mushy and the vegetables to lose their texture and flavor.
This recipe is not suitable for the air fryer, as it's a cold salad. The air fryer is best used for cooking and heating food.
Yes, this salad is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free orzo. Always check the packaging to ensure it's certified gluten-free.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Best Refreshing Orzo Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
