Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad – A Fresh, Flavor-Packed Summer Favorite

Looking for a refreshing and satisfying salad that goes beyond your average pasta dish? This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is bursting with creamy textures, zesty citrus, and a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. It’s the perfect balance of tangy oranges, tart cranberries, crisp broccoli, and smoky bacon tossed with tender orzo pasta and a light lemony dressing. Whether you’re heading to a cookout or just craving a make-ahead lunch, this salad delivers big flavor in every bite.

It’s also incredibly easy to customize. Love cheese? Add a bit of feta or shaved Parmesan. Want to keep it vegetarian? Just skip the bacon. Serve it chilled or at room temperature. Easy!  And it’s always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Orzo Salad

This orzo salad is not your average side. It combines fresh produce and pantry staples for a dish that’s:

• Creamy and satisfying – Thanks to a simple lemon-mayo dressing.

• Packed with texture – The crunch from broccoli and bacon balances the chew of orzo and dried cranberries.

• Perfect for meal prep – It stores well and tastes even better after a day in the fridge.

• Versatile – Great as a side or a light main dish. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it heartier.

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl for combining ingredients

• Small Whisk for mixing the dressing

• Strainer, for rinsing the orzo and broccoli

• Chef’s Knife, for chopping the vegetables

• Cutting Board, for prepping the produce

Serving Tips

Mediterranean Orzo Salad works well as:

• A side dish for grilled meats or seafood

• A base for lunch bowls with protein added

• A refreshing potluck or picnic option

• A quick weekday lunch that doesn’t require reheating

If you’re planning ahead, make it the night before and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, and it holds up well for up to 3 days.

Storage Suggestions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.

• Meal Prep Tip: Keep the dressing separate if making several days in advance to avoid soggy textures.

• Freezer: Not recommended – this salad is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.

Other Recipes to Try

If you loved this salad, check out some of our other fresh and flavorful ideas:

• Our Favorite Summer Salads – A roundup of the best warm-weather dishes.

• Salad in a Mason Jar – Great for on-the-go lunches and meal prep.

• Vegetarian Orzo and Spinach Soup – A quick and nourishing meatless option with tender pasta and leafy greens in a light broth.

• Keto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps – A low-carb twist that pairs well with Mediterranean flavors.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a must-make dish for spring and summer gatherings. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it’s more than just a pretty plate.  It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that tastes as good as it looks. Serve it at your next backyard BBQ, meal prep it for the week, or bring it to a family picnic. It’s simple, fresh, and totally irresistible.

Give it a try and let us know how you made it your own. Did you go heavy on the bacon? Add feta? Swap in almonds? We’d love to hear your variations in the comments!

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

This Mediterranean-inspired orzo salad is creamy, vibrant, and packed with textures and flavor. Tender orzo pasta is tossed with crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, sweet oranges, and tart dried cranberries, all coated in a light lemony dressing.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Chill Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4 Servings

Equipment

• Saucepan For boiling the orzo
• Mixing Bowls To combine all ingredients
• whisk To blend the dressing
• Tongs For gently mixing salad ingredients

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta about 170g
• 1 cup chopped broccoli florets raw or lightly blanched
• 4 strips cooked bacon chopped
• ½ cup canned mandarin oranges drained
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese optional
• 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and let it cool completely.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create a creamy lemon dressing.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped broccoli, bacon, mandarin oranges, cranberries, red onion, and feta (if using).
• Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together with tongs until evenly coated.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.

Notes

This salad can be prepared up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge for easy entertaining or meal prep.

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add extra feta or roasted chickpeas.

If your broccoli is too firm, blanch it in boiling water for 1–2 minutes to soften slightly before adding.

To make it dairy-free, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and skip the feta.

Keyword orzo, pasta recipe

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!