Last updated on January 23rd, 2024
This is a simple, refreshing summer orzo salad recipe with fresh tomatoes, basil, cucumbers and feta cheese.
A delicious and satisfying way to embrace the flavors of summer!
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a refreshing dinner option, this recipe will give you your own taste of the Mediterranean with every bite.
Orzo Salad
Something that initially motivated me to make a summer salad was the fact that I was given a bottle of Summer Dressing from Lebherz Oil & Vinegar Emporium located in Downtown Frederick.
If you haven’t visited their shop, you MUST!
It is the largest variety of oils and vinegars I’ve ever seen in my life.
And they are amazing!
Homegrown Vs. Store-Bought Herbs and Veggies
Full Disclosure: When I made this recipe, I used tomatoes and cucumbers I bought from the store (gasp!)
BUT, that was only because my homegrown ‘maters and cucumbers weren’t ready yet.
In addition, this is my first summer growing a windowsill herb garden.
My basil plant was thriving when I made this recipe.
There’s just something SO special about being able to snip your own homegrown herbs as opposed to buying them from the grocery store.
NOW, I could make this salad with my homegrown veggies and herbs and it would taste EVEN better.
SO satisfying knowing that you grew some of the ingredients AND the fact that they’re just plain tastier and fresher that way.
Add to that, an olive oil & balsamic vinegar mix sold locally, and you’ve got yourself an amazing summer salad!
Orzo Salad Tips
I used grape tomatoes for this recipe.
Next time I’ll use larger tomatoes that I can chop.
Personally I prefer more of the inside of the tomato versus the skin.
Cucumbers are one of my favorite summer veggies.
Probably not much nutritional value to them, but I gotta have that crunch in my salads.
This salad keeps for 3 to 5 days as long as it remains chilled in the refrigerator.
This summer fresh orzo salad turned out just as delectable as I expected.
And if you’ve never tried orzo, I highly recommend it. I guarantee you will like it. It’s kind of like rice on steroids.
From AllRecipes, here’s a great article on What’s Orzo & How Do I Cook It?
Additional Ingredient Options
The beauty of this type of salad is that you can add any extra ingredients you like, such as:
- Black Olives
- Spring Onions
- Green Peppers
- Different Color Tomatoes
The possibilities and colors are endless.
This is a great macaroni salad alternative to bring to picnics, reunions, pool parties, or just dinners on the deck.
What types of salads do you enjoy most during the summer months?
Let us know in the comments.
Bon Appetit!
Summer Fresh Orzo Salad
Ingredients
- 16 oz Orzo pasta
- 1 cup Tomatoes, chopped, cherry, or grape
- 2 Cucumbers, chopped
- 6 oz Feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ bunch Fresh Basil
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper, to taste
- Italian dressing OR any flavored oil & vinegar mixture
Instructions
- Boil the orzo pasta according to package directions & drain.
- Add chopped cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, & feta cheese to orzo.
- Mix in dressing or oil/vinegar mixture.
- Add salt & pepper to taste.
- Top with fresh basil.
- Chill before serving.
For more delicious summer salad recipes, click on over to:
Chinese Chicken Salad with Ramen Noodles
Mason Jar Layered Chickpea Salad
Green Bean Salad with Feta Cheese
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Yummy salad, I substituted basil with radicchio,that was left from bag salad. served it with grilled burgers,thanks for sharing.
Sounds like a great substitution Shirley. So glad you liked it!
Your pictures have me drooling!! I’ve been making that salad for years and everyone loves it. I also add chopped, stuffed olives.
Your salad totally inspired me Cheryl. And you’re the person who introduced me to orzo!