Mediterranean Orzo Salad

If hot weather means lighter fare is on the menu, this Mediterranean Orzo Salad can be ready in mere minutes. Summer Salad Recipes are a great way to beat the heat.

This colorful and flavorful salad is made with orzo pasta, a mixture of fresh vegetables and a light and zesty dressing.

Just toss together a handful of tantalizing ingredients for a simple bite of summer that’s perfect as a meatless meal or al fresco side dish. Or you can turn it into a quick weeknight dinner by adding cooked chicken, shrimp or a protein of your choice.

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Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Orzo, a type of pasta shaped like a large grain of rice, is the perfect base for this salad, as it adds texture and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients.

The fresh vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and red onion, provide a burst of color and nutrients, while the dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice and herbs, gives the salad a tangy and herbaceous flavor.

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A special thanks to NewmansOwn.com for this recipe.

Be sure to check out the rest of our easy pasta recipes, too!

This Mediterranean Orzo Salad makes 4 servings.

Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked orzo
• 2 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup arugula
• 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata and green olives, cut in half
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup Newmanís Own Garlic Vinaigrette & Marinade, plus additional for serving (optional)

Directions for Mediterranean Salad

In large bowl, combine orzo, cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, arugula, olives and feta cheese. Toss with vinaigrette.

Serve with additional vinaigrette, if desired.

For more Mediterranean cooking inspiration!

The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook: 500 Vibrant, Kitchen-Tested Recipes for Living and Eating Well Every DayThe Mediterranean Dish: 120 Bold and Healthy Recipes You’ll Make on Repeat: A Mediterranean CookbookThe 30-Minute Mediterranean Diet Cookbook: 101 Easy, Flavorful Recipes for Lifelong HealthMilk Street: Tuesday Nights Mediterranean: 125 Simple Weeknight Recipes from the World’s Healthiest Cuisine

 

Don’t miss out on our other family friendly recipes!