If you are searching for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious side or light meal, the Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe is an unbeatable choice. This salad captures the sunshine of summer in every bite, combining the tender, slightly nutty orzo pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and fragrant basil, all brought together by a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It’s effortless to prepare yet packed with flavor, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a picnic treat you’ll crave time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each element plays a key role in balancing textures, colors, and flavors that will dance on your palate.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: The star base that’s tender and perfectly bite-sized, absorbing all the fresh flavors wonderfully.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: They add juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant red color.
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced: For a slight sharpness and crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy feta.
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced: Adds a refreshing crisp texture that cools every bite.
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced: Brings a salty, briny dimension that deepens the salad’s flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Creamy and slightly tangy, this cheese is a classic Mediterranean touch.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Rich and fruity, it binds everything together in a luscious dressing.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Provides bright acidity that livens up the salad.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped: Adds a fragrant, herbaceous finish that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly tender but not mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and let it cool to ensure your salad doesn’t get soggy and keeps its nice, light texture.
Step 2: Mix the Fresh Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo with halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, cucumber pieces, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. This colorful mix sets the foundation for a salad that’s as eye-catching as it is satisfying.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. This simple yet flavorful dressing will coat the pasta and veggies, tying all the ingredients together with a perfect balance of acidity and richness.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Pour the dressing over the salad bowl and toss gently but thoroughly so every bit of orzo and veggie is lightly coated. This ensures each forkful bursts with harmonious flavor and texture.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves on top for an invigorating herbal fragrance. For best results, chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving; it helps all the flavors meld beautifully and makes the salad refreshingly cool.
How to Serve Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your salad further by adding a few whole basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra feta cheese right before serving. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate the appearance and flavor, giving it that professional touch.
Side Dishes
This Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a simple crusty bread. It’s a fantastic accompaniment to summer barbecues, providing a refreshing and satisfying balance to smoky, savory mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in a large clear glass bowl to showcase its beautiful colors or portion it into individual mason jars for an elegant picnic presentation. You could also stuff it into pita pockets with some leafy greens for a quick, tasty lunch on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day, though fresh basil on top is best added just before serving.
Freezing
Because of the delicate fresh ingredients and creamy feta, this salad does not freeze well. The texture of the tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese can become watery or grainy after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Simply let refrigerated leftovers sit out for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta adds that tangy creaminess typical in Mediterranean salads, you could substitute with goat cheese or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind the texture and salt level might vary.
Is there a substitute for red wine vinegar?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute. They both provide acidity but with slightly different flavor profiles. Adjust the amount to your taste preference to keep the salad balanced.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Definitely! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or toasted nuts for crunch. The salad remains vibrant and flavorful without the cheese.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can prepare the salad up to a day ahead, but it’s best to add the fresh basil just before serving to keep it vibrant. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What is the best way to cook orzo pasta for this recipe?
Cook the orzo in plenty of boiling, salted water until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain it thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it quickly for salad use.
Final Thoughts
This Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe is one of those magical dishes that tastes like you spent hours crafting it but actually comes together in a flash. It’s fresh, flavorful, and endlessly versatile, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite at your table!
Print
Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Fresh Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make orzo pasta salad packed with Mediterranean flavors from cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing, this salad is perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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: Boil the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool completely.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified and well blended.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss carefully until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves over the salad for a fresh herbaceous note. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh vegetables.
- This salad can be made up to a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to add other Mediterranean ingredients like artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
- Keep salad chilled until serving to maintain freshness and flavor.
