Summertime Mediterranean Orzo Salad

My summertime Mediterranean orzo Salad is a breeze to make and packed with vibrant flavors.

My summertime Mediterranean orzo salad is easy to make and packed with delicious flavor. It’s loaded with my favorite things, and in just under thirty minutes, you can have it on the table as a main salad or side dish. Chewy, orzo, briny olives, spicy pepperoncini, smokey red peppers, fresh tomatoes, scallions, and herbs, all tossed in a perfect balsamic vinaigrette and topped with toasted walnuts. It’s bursting with flavor, filling, and so delicious.

I love serving this orzo salad with shrimp and grilled chicken, but it goes really well with any barbecued meat. It’s a great dish to take to a potluck or picnic because it makes a big batch, and everyone really enjoys it.

Why is this a hit with family & at picnics?

Tender, chewy, herby orzo

Sweet, acidic tomatoes

Tangy, briny olives

Sour, spicy pepperoncini

Smoky, sweet, roasted red peppers

Creamy, salty feta

Crunchy, meaty walnuts

Light, fresh balsamic vinaigrette

What goes into this salad?

Uncooked orzo -I found that if you use pre-cooked orzo, it doesn’t soak up the flavors of the salad. So, I cook it as I’m making the salad and add the dressing while the orzo is still hot. It soaks up all the delicious dressing and creates a much more flavorful salad.

Grape tomatoes -halved or quartered if you prefer smaller cut vegetables.

Pitted Kalamata olives -green, black, or assorted chopped olives all work well. I used a jar of assorted olives I found at Costco in my video.

Pepperoncini -add so much tanginess and spice to the salad. Slice them into small pieces so they mix into the salad, and you don’t have to worry about the stems.

Roasted red peppers -chop them up really small to add a lovely smokiness.

Scallions -thinly sliced and swirled in a bowl of cool water to remove any dirt.

Parsley -I always go heavy with finely chopped parsley because it tells your tastebuds just how fresh the salad is.

Feta cheese -crumbled from a block to avoid overly salted pre-crumbles. My favorite is sheep’s milk feta.

Dried crushed oregano -to marry with the parsley and add earthy herb flavor.

Toasted chopped walnuts -you can use pine nuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or whatever you like best. Throw them in a pan and toast them over medium heat until they get a little color on them and you can start to smell them.

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What do I need for the dressing?

Olive oil -always use a great quality extra virgin olive oil with great flavor for dressings.

Garlic cloves -grated to melt into the dressing for the best flavor.

White Balsamic vinegar -if you can find it, it’s worth buying. I love it! It’s light and a little bit sweeter than regular balsamic vinegar. Red wine vinegar or Dark Balsamic can be used instead.

Salt & freshly cracked black pepper -using this in the dressing helps season the entire salad.

How do I make the dressing?

Whisk all the dressing ingredients together.

How do I cook the orzo?

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add one tablespoon of salt. Boil the orzo according to package instructions until al dente.

How do I make the salad?

Drain the orzo and add it to a large bowl. Top with the dressing and toss together while the orzo is hot. Add the remaining salad ingredients and toss together. Taste to adjust the seasoning if needed.

How do I serve this Summertime Mediterranean Orzo Salad?

Transfer to a serving platter, and sprinkle the toasted walnuts on top. Serve it as the main dish topped with lemony shrimp or as a side to grilled or roasted fish, chicken, or beef. Kali Orexi!

Can I make this ahead of time?

This orzo salad actually tastes even better the day after you make it and will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. So, don’t be afraid to make a double batch for lunches.

Do you have more orzo dishes?

Since orzo is one of my favorite things, I’ve created a ton of dishes with it over the years. If you like youvetsi, try my Greek Skillet Chicken & Orzo Youvetsi, Lamb Shanks & Orzo Youvetsi, and Instant Pot Beef & Orzo Youvetsi. For orzo skillet meals, try my Lemony Orzo with Feta & Pesto, 30 Minute Spinach, Feta, & Chicken Orzo, and Orzo with Olives & Feta, known as Greek Kritharoto. Search my blog for more orzo meals and soups!

Watch the Video: