Tomato Orzo Salad

Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Tomato Orzo Salad is the ultimate summer side dish or light main course. Tender orzo pasta is paired with sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, and the tangy creaminess of crumbled feta cheese, all brought together by a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a refreshingly cool finish, this vibrant salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. The crisp red onion adds a subtle crunch, while the olive oil-based dressing ties each ingredient together with a sunny, citrusy twist. Serve it chilled for a bright, satisfying dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Orzo pasta
• 2 cups Cherry tomatoes
• 0.5 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cups Red onion
• 0.25 cups Extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 clove Garlic
• 0.5 cups Feta cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse the orzo under cold water to stop it from cooking further. Set aside to cool.

Step 2

While the orzo is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the fresh basil leaves, and dice the red onion.

Step 3

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, diced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 6

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice, if needed.

Step 7

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Serve chilled as a side dish or light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	832.6 grams (832.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1839

Total Fat 78.30g	100%
Saturated Fat 18.10g	91%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 67mg	22%
Sodium 2056mg	89%
Total Carbohydrate 247.90g	90%
Dietary Fiber 21.00g	75%
Total Sugars 16.00g
Protein 51.90g	104%

Vitamin D 12IU	60%
Calcium 492mg	38%
Iron 13mg	71%
Potassium 909mg	19%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.0%

Protein: 10.9%

Carbs: 52.1%