Orzo salad is a fresh and flavorful salad, which is part of the Mediterranean cuisine. As the name suggests, it uses orzo pasta, which is a small, rice-shaped pasta along with chickpeas, fresh vegetables, cheese, nuts and a dressing made of olive oil, lemon & seasonings.
Orzo salad originates from the Mediterranean region and is often a part of Greek and Italian culinary traditions. The combination of fresh and flavorful ingredients makes orzo salad a popular dish, especially during the warmer months as the salad is served cold or at room temperature.
Why you should try this recipe?
This is one of the most requested recipe, I get asked after they have had it.
It is great for lunch box as well as serving with an elaborate dinner or to bring to a potluck. It is also versatile and ingredients are not a hard and fast rule!
Recipe at a Glance
For Orzo Salad
Orzo pasta– Boiled
Halloumi cheese– pan fried
Chickpeas– Boiled
Eggplant– Cubed, pan fried
Spinach– Chopped
Lettuce– Chopped
Green bell peppers/ capsicum– Chopped
Cucumbers– chopped
Tomatoes– chopped
Walnuts– Or any other nuts of choice
Raisins
Olives– Black or green
Oil- For pan-frying halloumi & eggplant
Seeds – I add some pumpkin seeds also for that added crunch
For the Dressing
Extra Virgin Olive oil, Salt, Black pepper, Lemon juice, Dried oregano
Step by Step Process
- Prepare salad filling by boiling orzo pasta & chickpeas, pan-frying halloumi & eggplant and chopping all vegetables. Also add olives, chopped nuts & raisins and seeds.
- Mix all the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl and whisk well.
- Add dressing to salad and toss well; refrigerate before serving.
FAQs
Can I make orzo salad in advance?
Yes, you can make orzo salad in advance. As a matter of fact, it tastes better if made ahead of time as the flavors have time to meld together. Store the salad in refrigerator and remember to toss it well before serving, to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
What is the right temperature to serve orzo salad?
Usually people serve this salad cold particularly during warmer weather but you can also serve it at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Orzo salad is served with a variety of foods such as, as a side dish with grilled/ roasted meat and with kebabs or skewers. It’s also a popular recipe for picnics and potlucks as its easy to assemble and can be served at room temperature.
Substitutions & Variations
This is a versatile salad and offers the flexibility to add ingredients of your choice- walnuts can be replaced with almonds or cashew nuts, vegetables can be substituted and halloumi can be replaced with feta cheese. Alternatively, you can also add proteins such as seasoned cooked chicken to the salad to make it more filling.
Storage and Make Ahead
Usually Salads should be cut and served fresh with dressing poured over in last minute. But this Orzo Salad is like a “marinated salad”. You prepare up to a day advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Related Recipes
More healthy recipes are part of the blog such as this Master Salad Recipe, Green Smoothie or Turkish Bulgur Salad.
Orzo Salad
Try out this versatile Orzo salad- a fresh and flavorful salad, which is part of the Mediterranean cuisine. Its a versatile salad and offers the flexibility to add ingredients of your choice
Ingredients
- ½ cup/ 85 grams dried Orzo pasta
- 85 grams Halloumi cheese, cubed
- ½ cup boiled chickpeas
- 1 medium eggplant, cubed (approx. 3⁄4 cup)
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup green bell peppers/ capsicums, chopped
- 2 cups cucumbers, finely chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes, finely chopped
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup raisins
- 4 tablespoon oil for pan frying halloumi and eggplant
For the salad dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Boil the orzo pasta according to package directions.
- Pan fry halloumi and eggplant, set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, place all the ingredients.
- Mix all the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl and whisk well.
- Add the salad dressing to the large bowl with all the ingredients and toss well.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
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