If you’re searching for a refreshing, vibrant, and utterly delicious salad that brings a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your table, look no further than this Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of tender orzo pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and fragrant fresh basil, all tossed in a tangy olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting a summer picnic, or need a quick side that dazzles, this salad is simplicity and flavor wrapped up in one colorful bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing its own vital role to build a salad that’s fresh, crunchy, and satisfying. From the buttery orzo grains to the creamy feta and the bright herbs, every element adds a unique touch.
- Orzo pasta: This tiny rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and offers a lovely tender base for the salad.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for bursts of juicy sweetness that balance the savory cheese perfectly.
- Red onion: Diced finely for a subtle sharpness and crunch that wakes up the flavor.
- Cucumber: Adds refreshing coolness and crisp texture to every bite.
- Black olives: Sliced, providing a salty briny note essential to Mediterranean dishes.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled for its creamy, tangy richness that elevates the salad beautifully.
- Olive oil: The dressing’s smooth and fruity base, crucial for binding flavors.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the richness.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all the natural flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves: Chopped and sprinkled at the end for an aromatic and fresh finish.
How to Make Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Begin by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. It typically takes just 8–10 minutes to become perfectly tender. Once cooked, drain the orzo and allow it to cool completely; this ensures your salad won’t become soggy and keeps every bite delightfully light.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, cucumber, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Each of these fresh ingredients builds layers of flavor and varying textures, making your salad exciting and well-rounded.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well emulsified. This simple mixture brings a bright, tangy seasoning that marries all the salad’s ingredients harmoniously.
Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the orzo and veggies, then toss gently but thoroughly so everything is evenly coated. This step ensures every bite is flavorful, with the dressing clinging beautifully to the pasta and fresh elements.
Step 5: Add Fresh Basil and Chill
Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top for an aromatic lift and a pop of color. For best results, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This rest time allows the flavors to meld, making your Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe shine even brighter.
How to Serve Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Garnishes
To dress up this salad beautifully, consider adding a few extra basil leaves whole on top for a rustic touch, or toss in a few toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving can also enhance the salad’s glossy appeal and add another layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making for a lighter main course. It also works beautifully alongside classic Mediterranean dishes like hummus and pita bread or roasted vegetables, complementing them with its freshness and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a picnic or buffet, serve the salad in individual mason jars or pretty bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh basil. You can also pile it atop a bed of baby spinach or arugula for added color and nutrients, or stuff it into pita pockets with some extra feta for a portable lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe makes great leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the salad tastes even better after sitting overnight, as the flavors continue to intertwine.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and cheese, this salad is not ideal for freezing. Freezing can alter the texture of the tomatoes and feta, leading to a mushy result once thawed. For best quality, enjoy fresh or refrigerated leftovers within a couple of days.
Reheating
Since this salad is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary and generally not recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmer, leave the salad out at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo’s small size works perfectly here, you can substitute with any small pasta shapes like couscous or tiny shells. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based feta alternative. The salad will still have plenty of flavor from the other ingredients and dressing.
How long does this salad keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your salad stays fresh for about 2 days. After that, the tomatoes and basil may start to soften, and the flavors might mellow out.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Definitely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or even diced avocado are excellent additions to boost the protein content and make the salad more filling.
What type of vinegar works best in this salad?
Red wine vinegar is traditional for this recipe, lending a bright but gentle acidity. You can experiment with white wine vinegar or even lemon juice for a different twist, but red wine vinegar provides the best balance.
Final Thoughts
This Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe truly embodies the spirit of fresh, vibrant Mediterranean cooking in just one bowl. It’s quick, easy, and utterly satisfying, perfect for sharing with friends, bringing along to gatherings, or enjoying as a hearty but light meal on its own. I hope you have as much fun making it as you do eating it—happy cooking!
Print
Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and refreshing Orzo Pasta Salad loaded with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, perfect for a quick and healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool completely.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled orzo with cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, cucumber, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a balanced and flavorful dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the salad as garnish. For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Ensure orzo is completely cooled so the salad doesn’t become soggy.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially considering the saltiness of feta cheese.
- Serve chilled for best refreshing taste, perfect for summer meals.
