Ina Garten Orzo Salad with Feta Recipe is a fresh and tasty salad perfect for lunch or a side dish. This salad is easy to make and full of vibrant flavors.
Orzo pasta combines with crisp vegetables, tangy feta and fresh herbs to create a delicious, colorful dish. You can serve it cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or summer gatherings.
This Ina Garten Orzo Salad with Feta Recipe is healthy, light and satisfying. Learning how to make Ina Garten Orzo Salad with Feta is simple and it tastes like it came from a restaurant. Everyone will love this refreshing salad.
My Experience With This Recipe
I made Ina Garten Orzo Salad with Feta last weekend. The salad was fresh, colorful, and very flavorful. The feta added a tangy touch that complemented the crisp vegetables. I enjoyed how easy it was to make and cleanup was simple.
My family loved it and asked me to make it again soon. The herbs and lemon dressing made the salad vibrant and bright. It was perfect for a light lunch, but also worked well as a side for grilled chicken. This recipe is now one of my favorite quick salads.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Orzo Salad with Feta
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Course: Salad / Side Dish
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium pot for boiling orzo
- Strainer or colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for stirring
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Orzo Salad with Feta
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo
Boil water in a medium pot. Add orzo and cook until al dente. Drain and cool slightly. - Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber and red onion. Place all chopped vegetables in a large bowl. - Add Feta and Olives
Crumble feta cheese over the vegetables. Add sliced Kalamata olives and gently mix together. - Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth. - Combine Salad
Add cooked orzo to the vegetable mixture. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. - Add Fresh Herbs
Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle over salad. Toss lightly to mix herbs evenly throughout. - Chill Before Serving
Cover the salad and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend. - Serve the Salad
Transfer to a serving bowl or plate. Serve cold or at room temperature for best flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Cook orzo just until al dente for the best texture.
- Use fresh vegetables for a crisp and flavorful salad.
- Chill the salad for 30–60 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust lemon juice and olive oil to taste.
- Add extra feta or olives if you like a stronger flavor.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ina Garten Orzo Salad with Feta Recipe as a refreshing side with grilled chicken, fish or steak.
It is perfect for summer lunches. You can also enjoy it alone with some fresh bread. This salad is colorful and appetizing, making it a great addition to any meal.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh bread or garlic bread
- Light soups
- Lemon herb roasted potatoes
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Do not freeze, as feta and vegetables may lose texture. Toss gently before serving. Serve cold or at room temperature for best flavor.
Ina Garten Orzo Salad with Feta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber diced
- ½ red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- ½ cup Kalamata olives sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Orzo
- Boil water in a medium pot. Add orzo and cook until al dente. Drain and cool slightly.
Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber and red onion. Place all chopped vegetables in a large bowl.
Add Feta and Olives
- Crumble feta cheese over the vegetables. Add sliced Kalamata olives and gently mix together.
Mix the Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Combine Salad
- Add cooked orzo to the vegetable mixture. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle over salad. Toss lightly to mix herbs evenly throughout.
Chill Before Serving
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Serve the Salad
- Transfer to a serving bowl or plate. Serve cold or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Cook orzo just until al dente for the best texture.
- Use fresh vegetables for a crisp and flavorful salad.
- Chill the salad for 30–60 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust lemon juice and olive oil to taste.
- Add extra feta or olives if you like a stronger flavor.
FAQs about Ina Garten Orzo Salad with Feta
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a few hours ahead and refrigerate. The flavors improve after chilling.
Q2: Can I use other pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, small pasta like couscous or small shells works, but orzo is preferred for texture.
Q3: Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp or chickpeas can make it a complete meal.
Q4: Can I use other herbs besides parsley?
Yes, basil or mint adds a different flavor. Adjust according to your taste.
Q5: How long does this salad stay fresh?
Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Toss before serving for best flavor.
Conclusion
Ina Garten Orzo Salad with Feta Recipe is easy, quick and full of fresh flavors. It is perfect for summer lunches or as a side dish. With crisp vegetables, tangy feta and a bright lemon dressing, this salad is colorful and delicious.
Anyone can make this salad at home with simple ingredients. Follow the steps carefully, and you will have a refreshing, tasty salad ready in less than 30 minutes. Make Ina Garten Orzo Salad with Feta your go-to recipe for healthy, flavorful meals that everyone will enjoy.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
