Name: Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 Servings
Cuisine: Greek

Jule’s Menu Verified

February 1, 2026

This quick Mediterranean Orzo Salad combines tender orzo with sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, salty olives, arugula, and a simple yet rich tomato‑balsamic dressing. Enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes, shallots, and fresh basil, it’s versatile enough to serve as a light summer dinner, a meal-prep lunch, or a side dish for grilling. The salad can be enjoyed cold or slightly warm, keeps well in the fridge for several days, and can easily be adapted with feta, extra vegetables, or added protein for a more filling meal.

From the Cook

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Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Jule’s Menu Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Bring a pot of water to a boil, add salt, and cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Then drain and let it cool slightly.

Peel and finely chop the shallot and garlic, and wash and halve the tomatoes. Heat the olive oil in a pan, sauté the shallot and garlic with a generous pinch of salt until translucent, then add the tomatoes and cook for about 3–4 minutes.

Once some juice has accumulated in the pan, add the balsamic vinegar, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 1 minute. Then add about 2–3 tablespoons of the pasta cooking water, season with salt, pepper, and, if desired, a pinch of chili flakes. Remove the dressing from the heat and let it cool.

Slice the sun-dried tomatoes into thin strips, halve the mozzarella balls (or crumble the feta), cut the olives in half or quarters, and wash the arugula thoroughly, then spin it dry.

For a cold orzo salad, first let the pasta and dressing cool completely. For a warm salad, simply toss all the salad ingredients with the pasta and dressing while still slightly warm. Then season with salt and pepper, garnish with basil, and serve.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Orzo Cooking Perfection 🍝
Cook orzo in generously salted water just until al dente, then immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
Flavor Layering Technique 🌿
Let the chopped shallots and minced garlic sit in the balsamic vinegar for 5-10 minutes before mixing with olive oil to create a more complex, mellowed dressing.
Tomato Texture Magic 🍅
Halve cherry tomatoes and lightly salt them 15 minutes before assembling to draw out excess moisture and concentrate their natural sweetness.
Herb Freshness Hack 🌱
Tear basil leaves by hand instead of chopping to prevent browning and preserve their vibrant green color and delicate flavor.
Meal Prep Pro Tip 🥡
Keep dressing and salad separate until serving to maintain the crisp texture of arugula and prevent wilting during refrigeration.

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About the Cook

Jule’s Menu

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and author behind Jules’ Menu. I’ve spent the last eight years perfecting healthy everyday recipes so they strike the perfect balance between healthy and nourishing, simple and practical, and gourmet-level delicious.