Picnic Perfect Orzo Salad
This fresh and vibrant orzo pasta salad is packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavours and is perfect for summer days.
With juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, creamy feta and a zesty lemon dressing, it's quick to make and ideal for barbecues, picnics or an easy lunch.
It's also incredibly versatile - swap in your favourite vegetables, beans or protein, such as roasted peppers, courgettes, butter beans, grilled chicken or prawns, to make it your own.
Serves 8 / Prep time 20 mins / Cook time 15 mins
Ingredients
225g orzo, cooked according to package
1/2 cucumber, diced
75g feta cheese, crumbled
1 x 400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
300g cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 small red onion, diced
20g fresh basil, chopped
10g fresh mint, chopped
10g fresh parsley, chopped
For the dressing:
80ml red wine vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp honey
160ml extra virgin olive oil
Method
Cook the orzo according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to cool, then drain well.
In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, feta, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes and red onion.
Whisk together the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper and olive oil until well combined.
Add the cooled orzo to the vegetables and toss together. Pour over half of the dressing and mix well.
Stir through the basil, mint and parsley.
Taste and add more dressing if needed. If making ahead, keep the remaining dressing separate and stir it through just before serving to freshen the salad.
Nutrition Highlights
Packed with fresh vegetables – Cherry tomatoes, cucumber and fresh herbs add fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants, helping make this a colourful, nutrient-rich salad.
A good source of plant protein – Chickpeas provide both protein and fibre, helping to make this salad more filling and satisfying.
Heart-friendly fats – Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, a key part of the Mediterranean-style way of eating.
Calcium from feta – Feta cheese adds a creamy, salty flavour while contributing calcium and a little protein.
Perfect for meal prep – This salad keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it a great option for lunches, picnics or a quick side dish throughout the week.
