Tomato Feta Orzo Salad (Printer-friendly)

Mediterranean orzo tossed with fresh tomatoes, feta, and herbs for a bright, flavorful dish that's easy to prepare.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 feta cheese, crumbled

→ 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

# Steps:

01 - Boil orzo in large pot of salted water until al dente following package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
02 - Whisk extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in large salad bowl until combined.
03 - Add cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta, basil, and parsley to the bowl with dressing.
04 - Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated with dressing.
05 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 4 hours to meld flavors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, with most of that time spent boiling water.
  • Tastes even better the next day when the flavors have gotten to know each other.
  • Works as a side dish, a light lunch, or something to eat straight from the bowl while standing at the kitchen counter.
02 -
  • Don't dress this salad more than a few hours before serving, or the orzo will absorb all the liquid and taste pasty.
  • If you're making it ahead for a picnic, pack the dressing separately and toss everything together just before eating.
03 -
  • Taste the dressing before you add the pasta—it should be bold enough that you notice it immediately.
  • Keep the tomatoes and herbs separate from everything else until just before serving if you're making this more than a couple hours ahead.
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