Mediterranean Orzo Salad – Elavegan

This Mediterranean orzo salad is a low-fuss, healthy, super simple summer vegetarian pasta salad with al dente orzo (optionally gluten-free) fresh, crunchy vegetables and a bright lemon vinaigrette—perfect for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, and in-between meals. -Food of the week!

Simple, bright, and summery Mediterranean orzo salad

Hearty salads have become one of my quick, easy, fresh, healthy summer favorites – especially when jam-packed with bold Greek/Mediterranean flavors like my protein-dense ones. Quinoa salad Or this light Mediterranean orzo salad.

This lemon orzo salad is bursting with texture and flavor, with lots of fresh, crunchy vegetables, a bright lemon olive oil dressing, and protein-rich white beans or chickpeas. It’s super flexible, too—ready to spice it up with whatever extra veggies and herbs you have on hand.

All in all, this orzo pasta salad is packed with nutrients, takes only 20 minutes to prepare, is foodie-friendly (in fact, it tastes even better the second day!), and can be enjoyed as a nutritious side dish, light lunch, or hearty main. , perfect for summer cookouts and other large gatherings.

What is Orzo?

Although orzo (also called ‘risoni’) may look a lot like rice, it’s a type of short-cut pasta usually made from durum wheat. However, there are now several whole grain and gluten-free options available.

In terms of its uses, it is quick and easy to cook and works well in both warm and cold dishes, especially in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. It’s a popular addition to soups, pilafs, pasta ‘risottos’ and salads – like this Mediterranean orzo salad.

material

You only need a few basic ingredients to make a Mediterranean orzo pasta salad with texture, color, and flavor.

• Earn: Use regular or gluten-free orzo pasta. I used red lentil risoni/orzo, which is naturally gluten-free. Other smaller pasta shapes work, such as giant couscous.
• Vegetables: I use a fairly simple Mediterranean-inspired combination
  • Onion (white or red onion)
  • Grape or cherry tomatoes (or large tomatoes/sun-dried tomatoes)
  • Cucumber (use English/Persian cucumber, which has fewer seeds and a thinner skin)
  • Chillies (any color – red, orange, yellow, green)
• White Beans: or chickpeas. Use home-cooked or canned (regular/low sodium) chickpeas/beans to add protein to this summer orzo pasta salad.
• Lemon Vinaigrette: This simple citrusy vinaigrette is wonderfully tangy and bright, making a refreshing Mediterranean orzo with lemon juice (and optional lemon zest!), EVOO, garlic, Dijon mustard and fresh herbs (or dried oregano/Italian seasoning), salt and pepper. salad

Recipe variations and add-ins

One of the reasons I’m so obsessed with this vegan orzo salad is its versatility. This is one of the best ‘freezer clear out’ summer pasta salads I’ve ever made.

• Kalamata Olives: For a briny, tangy flavor. Green or black olives will work.
• Other Vegetables: Something here might work.
  • Grilled/roasted zucchini, eggplant, and/or bell peppers
  • Baby spinach or massaged kale
  • Arugula
  • chopped carrots
  • Marinated Artichokes
  • Avocado
• Vegan Feta: For a salty, tangy, creamy flavor, sprinkle on top of your favorite vegan feta cheese.
• Fresh Vegetables: Boost the lemon orzo salad with extra fresh parsley, green onion, dill and/or basil.
• Nuts/Seeds: Lightly toasted pine nuts, pepitas, sunflower seeds, etc. will add crunch, protein and heart-healthy fats.

for Full ingredient list, measurements, full recipe method, and nutrition information, Read the recipe card below.

How to Make Mediterranean Orzo Salad

• First, cook orzo following package directions minus 1-2 minutes, until al dente.

Use vegetable stock/bouillon when cooking orzo pasta for more flavor.

• Then, drain the pasta and let it cool.

• Meanwhile, prepare all the vegetables. To do this, wash them and cut them into similar bite-sized pieces. Then, make the lemon vinaigrette by combining all the ingredients in a small bowl – whisk (or mix) well.

• Finally, assemble the vegan orzo salad by combining all the ingredients in a large bowl/serving dish. Pour over the dressing, and toss to combine, then enjoy!

How to store orzo salad?

go ahead: You can prepare several ingredients in advance. The dressing stores for 5-7 days, and the cooked orzo will last several days as well. You can assemble a completely vegan pasta salad. It holds up well and the flavors will develop and improve over time.

shop: Once assembled, store Mediterranean Orzo Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

The orzo will soak up the dressing as it sits, so you may like to save some/have a little extra to toss when serving.

Serving advice

Enjoy this summery Mediterranean orzo salad on its own, as a light lunch, or as part of a larger meal. It pairs with virtually any protein and other sides, including:

FAQs

Is orzo gluten-free?

Traditionally, it is made from durum wheat, so is not gluten-free. However, like the red lentil version I used for this recipe, gluten-free versions are now available. Just remember that the texture of gluten-free pasta is usually more tender/sweet, so be careful not to overcook it.

Can you freeze orzo salad?

I do not recommend freezing fresh, raw vegetables, as they will become watery/sweet when thawed. However, leftover orzo (white or dressed) will freeze for up to 3 months. It will be soft when thawed, but still delicious.

Recipe notes and tips

• Cook the barley al dente: It will absorb the dressing as it sits, so if it’s overcooked it will become mushy (especially using gluten-free orzo pasta).
• Cut into bite-sized pieces: So you can get a little bit of each flavor in each bite.
• Add the dressing while the orzo is hot: It increases how absorbent it is for a super flavorful orzo pasta salad. Add remaining when serving.
• Reserve some dressing: Especially if you plan to store orzo pasta salad for a long time. This way, you can brighten up the dish a bit when serving.
• To cool the orzo quickly: Spread it in a thin layer across a large tray and optionally transfer to the fridge.
• Allow it to rest: If you have time, 30-60 minutes allows the flavors to blend and develop, making for a more flavorful orzo salad.

Other Vegan Salad Recipes

I would love it if you tried this healthy Mediterranean orzo salad recipe Comment and ★★★★★ Recipe rating Down below. Also, please don’t forget Tag me in a re-creation on Instagram or Facebook with @ellavegan #Elvegan– I love to see them.

If you use PINTEREST, feel free to pin the photo below: