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25-Minute Orzo Feta Sun Dried Tomato Salad: A Mediterranean-Inspired Weeknight Hero
When you need a fast, flavorful dish that feels both comforting and fresh, 25-Minute Orzo Feta Sun Dried Tomato Salad is the answer. This vibrant Mediterranean-style pasta salad combines tender orzo with tangy feta, rich sun dried tomatoes, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing that ties everything together. It’s the kind of recipe that works just as beautifully for a busy weeknight dinner as it does for meal prep, potlucks, or light lunches.
Unlike heavy pasta salads weighed down with mayonnaise, this orzo salad stays light, refreshing, and full of texture. Each bite delivers contrast: creamy feta against chewy sun dried tomatoes, silky olive oil coating every grain of pasta, and fresh herbs adding aromatic lift. Best of all, the entire dish comes together in about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for anyone who wants maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why Orzo Is Perfect for Quick Salads
Orzo may look like rice, but it’s actually a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully. Because of its size, orzo cools faster than larger pasta shapes, which means you can toss it with dressing and serve it warm or at room temperature without waiting ages.
In Mediterranean cooking, orzo is often paired with olive oil, herbs, cheeses, and vegetables—exactly what makes this sun dried tomato orzo salad such a natural fit. It’s hearty enough to feel satisfying but light enough to avoid that heavy, overly full feeling.
The Flavor Profile: Bold, Balanced, and Bright
What makes this salad truly shine is balance. Sun dried tomatoes bring intense, slightly sweet umami depth. Feta cheese adds salty creaminess. Fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness, while extra virgin olive oil provides a smooth, luxurious mouthfeel. A handful of herbs—parsley or basil—adds freshness and color, elevating the dish from simple to crave-worthy.
This is the kind of salad that tastes even better after it sits for a bit, making it excellent for make-ahead meals and leftovers.
Ingredients
- Orzo pasta
- Sun dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred)
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Garlic, finely minced
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional add-ins: Kalamata olives, baby spinach, cucumber, red onion
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8–10 minutes.
- Drain the orzo and transfer it to a large mixing bowl while still warm.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the warm orzo and toss gently so the pasta absorbs the flavors.
- Chop the sun dried tomatoes and add them to the bowl along with crumbled feta.
- Fold in fresh herbs and any optional add-ins you’re using.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Orzo Feta Salad
- Salt the pasta water generously. This is your first layer of seasoning.
- Use oil-packed sun dried tomatoes. They’re softer, more flavorful, and add richness.
- Dress the orzo while warm. Warm pasta absorbs dressing better than cold.
- Don’t overmix. Gently fold to keep feta from breaking down too much.
Delicious Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Greens Upgrade: Toss in arugula or spinach for extra freshness.
- Vegan Version: Swap feta for a plant-based alternative or marinated tofu.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chili oil.
Serving Suggestions
This Mediterranean orzo salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or seafood. Serve it alongside grilled chicken skewers, baked salmon, or as part of a mezze spread with hummus and pita. It also works wonderfully as a standalone lunch, especially when topped with extra protein.
Storage and Meal Prep
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and refresh with a drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon juice.
A Little Mediterranean Inspiration
Sun dried tomatoes and feta are staples in Mediterranean cuisine, prized for their ability to preserve flavor and add richness to simple dishes. This salad draws inspiration from Greek and Italian flavors, combining pantry staples with fresh ingredients to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
Final Thoughts
25-Minute Orzo Feta Sun Dried Tomato Salad proves that fast food doesn’t have to mean boring food. With bold flavors, vibrant color, and endless versatility, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this dish delivers freshness, comfort, and satisfaction in every bite.
25-Minute Orzo Feta Sun Dried Tomato Salad
A quick Mediterranean-inspired orzo salad with feta, sun dried tomatoes, lemon, and olive oil.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 0.5 cup sun dried tomatoes chopped
- 0.75 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice fresh
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley or basil chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook orzo until al dente.
- Drain orzo and transfer to a large bowl while warm.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour dressing over warm orzo and toss to combine.
- Add sun dried tomatoes, feta, and herbs. Gently fold.
- Adjust seasoning and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Great for meal prep and customizable with protein or vegetables.
