Name: Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 16 oz orzo; 3 cups arugula; 2 cups halved rainbow cherry tomatoes; 1/2 cup sliced green Greek olives; 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes; 1 diced zucchini; 1/2 cup chopped marinated jarred artichoke hearts; 1/3 cup (optional) vegan feta; 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive brine (just take some from the jar); 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp dried dill; salt + pepper to taste

This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is seriously the perfect salad to eat at home, or bring to a party with friends and family!

This is a fiber and gut-healthy salad. The whole wheat orzo is packed with fiber, and the veggies and dark leafy arugula are dense in nutrients. Not only is it absolutely delicious but it is a quick + easy, gorgeous meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

What ingredients do I need?

Please take note that this is important information about the ingredients used in this recipe and the FULL recipe with measurements and details can be found DOWN BELOW (scroll to it) in the recipe card.

Orzo – I used whole wheat orzo for this recipe for higher protein and higher fiber, but feel free to use semolina orzo or gluten-free orzo.
Arugula – kale can be substituted if you can’t find arugula. Spinach works too but does not hold up well in the fridge.
Cherry tomatoes – I used rainbow cherry tomatoes. I think they look stunning!
Green Greek Olives – make sure to use greek green olives because there is a large variety.
Sun-dried tomatoes – you can use sun-dried tomatoes in oil or without. Either will work!
Zucchini – Saute the zucchini! It will add great flavor rather than raw.
Jarred marinated artichoke hearts – marinated artichoke hearts add amazing flavor to this mediterranean orzo salad. If you get them plain in water, they will not be as flavorful but it will still work in this recipe.
Vegan feta – this is optional (I like Violife brand or Trader Joe’s brand).

What ingredients do I need for the salad dressing?

Olive oil – I like a cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil for this!
Lemon juice – Fresh squeezed is best!
Dried dill – you could also use fresh.
Salt + pepper – to taste

How to Make Mediterranean Orzo Salad

First, make the orzo. You boil orzo just like pasta so strain when it’s tender.
While orzo cooks, add arugula to a large salad bowl, and chop up all ingredients.
Saute the zucchini – I like to saute it in olive oil on medium heat with salt and pepper.
Drain and rinse orzo with cool water.
Add everything to a bowl.
Whisk dressing ingredients and add to the salad. Toss and serve!

It really is that easy and ready in no time!

Will my non-vegan friends eat this too?

Definitely! This Mediterranean Orzo Salad isn’t just for vegans, it’s for everyone! The added orzo makes pasta lovers want more of this salad.

Whenever I make this for friends, they are always amazed at how delicious it is and how easy it is to make.

Substitutions

Orzo: While you could always use a gluten-free orzo if you have an allergy, another substitution for this is quinoa, farro, rice, or noodles.
Zucchini: If you have an allergy or disliking, you can substitute the zucchini, or really any of the veggies, for other veggies like squash or eggplant (mushrooms would be amazing too!).
Vegan Feta: You could use any vegan cheese, or omit entirely
Arugula: If arugula isn’t your favorite, you could substitute it with any green like Kale or spinach.
Dried Dill: If you don’t have dried dill, you can use any fresh or dried herb like parsley, for example.

Important tips

Have extra orzo? Add some olive oil to it before storing it so it does not end up in a clump.
Store in the fridge up to 4 days.
Extra dressing leftover? Store in a container in the fridge up to a week.
Furthermore, feel free to make a double batch of the dressing to keep for the week!

What should I make this salad for?

Lunch with your besties: going to lunch with friends? everyone will love this!
Girl’s night in: plan a night to have your girlfriends over and make this.
A barbecue: the perfect summer salad for a BBQ.
For a friend with a newborn: bring to a new parent! They will thank you later.
A potluck dinner: everyone always asks for this recipe.
Date night: light some candles, put on a movie, and make this for a romantic date night.

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