Orzo Salad with Feta & Pomegranate Seeds Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean Veggie Orzo Salad featuring tender orzo pasta, crisp cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion, all tossed with a tangy lemon and honey dressing. Finished with creamy feta cheese and jewel-like pomegranate seeds for a burst of flavor and texture. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Salad
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
For the Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the orzo and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled orzo to the bowl with the vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat all the ingredients thoroughly without crushing the vegetables.
- Fold in Feta and Pomegranate: Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese and pomegranate seeds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Serve: For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use good-quality olive oil for the best flavor in the dressing.
- Rinsing the cooked orzo with cold water prevents it from sticking and cools it quickly.
- Chilling the salad before serving enhances the taste and texture.
- Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch if desired.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Mediterranean salad, orzo salad, veggie orzo, feta salad, pomegranate seeds, healthy lunch, quick salad recipe