The bold, peppery flavor of fresh arugula pairs beautifully with creamy feta and sweet dried cherries in this bright and breezy orzo salad. Toasted almonds add a rich crunch, while a touch of olive oil brings all the components together in perfect harmony.
Whether you serve it chilled at a summer picnic or enjoy it warm as a cozy side dish, this orzo salad is versatile, satisfying, and packed with fresh Mediterranean flair. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up and even easier to love.
Full Recipe:
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1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
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6 cups fresh arugula
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
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1/2 cup dried cherries or dried cranberries
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/8 teaspoon black pepper
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Lemon wedges, optional
Directions:
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Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
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Drain and rinse the orzo with cold water, then drain thoroughly.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the arugula, crumbled feta, toasted almonds, and dried cherries.
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Add the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Gently toss in the orzo until evenly mixed and coated.
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Serve immediately or chill for later. If desired, garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh finish.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 279 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Fresh Take on Pasta Salads: Orzo with Feta and Arugula
Pasta salads are a beloved staple across kitchens for good reason—they’re quick, versatile, and endlessly customizable. But not all pasta salads are created equal. The Orzo with Feta and Arugula recipe stands out as a bright, tangy, and nutrient-dense dish that brings a Mediterranean twist to the table. With a satisfying balance of textures and flavors, this dish celebrates freshness in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or a potluck favorite, this salad is both delicious and eye-catching.
Why Orzo Is the Perfect Base for This Salad
Orzo, often mistaken for rice due to its shape, is a small, rice-like pasta that offers a unique texture in cold salads. Its slightly chewy bite allows it to absorb dressings and pair beautifully with both delicate greens and bold cheeses. In this dish, the orzo acts as a soft, neutral base that lets the peppery arugula, creamy feta, and sweet dried cherries truly shine. It’s the kind of pasta that feels hearty enough for a main meal but light enough to leave you feeling refreshed.
Orzo also cooks quickly, typically in less than 10 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals or last-minute gatherings. Its versatility allows it to work well warm or cold, which is why this salad works beautifully in both settings.
The Bold Bite of Arugula
One of the stars of this recipe is arugula, a leafy green known for its distinctive peppery flavor. Unlike milder greens like spinach or romaine, arugula introduces a bit of heat and complexity to dishes. It pairs particularly well with creamy elements—like the feta in this recipe—as well as acidic components such as lemon juice or vinaigrettes.
Nutritionally, arugula is a powerhouse. It’s low in calories yet high in important vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, folate, and calcium. It’s also known for its antioxidant properties, making it not just flavorful but also beneficial for overall health. Including arugula in salads adds not just taste but a texture contrast that elevates the overall dish.
Feta: The Creamy, Salty Accent
Feta cheese adds a rich, tangy dimension to this orzo salad. With its crumbly texture and assertive taste, feta contrasts beautifully against the greens and balances the sweetness of dried fruits. Made traditionally from sheep’s milk—or a blend of sheep and goat’s milk—feta has a distinctly Mediterranean character. It lends creaminess without being heavy and is naturally lower in fat than many other cheeses.
Its saltiness complements arugula’s bite and the subtle nuttiness of orzo, while its sharpness helps cut through the sweetness of added cherries or cranberries. This balance is key to the flavor harmony of the dish.
The Unexpected Magic of Dried Cherries
What sets this salad apart from more traditional pasta salads is the incorporation of dried cherries or cranberries. These add a chewy texture and a burst of natural sweetness that contrast with the salty feta and savory elements. The inclusion of fruit in savory dishes may not be new, but here it’s done particularly well.
Dried cherries bring a subtle tartness that enhances the overall complexity of the salad. They also add visual interest with their deep red hue, making the dish more vibrant and appealing on a plate. From a nutritional standpoint, dried cherries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making them a great addition both for taste and health benefits.
Toasted Almonds for Crunch and Depth
No salad is complete without texture contrast, and toasted sliced almonds fulfill this role expertly. Toasting the almonds brings out their nutty flavor and enhances their crunch, making them an ideal topping. In this orzo salad, they introduce an earthy depth that ties the other ingredients together.
The crunch of almonds balances the chewiness of the orzo and the softness of the arugula. They also offer healthy fats, vitamin E, and protein, adding both nutrition and satisfaction. In essence, they make the dish feel more complete, bridging the gap between a light salad and a fulfilling meal.
Olive Oil and Seasoning: Simple Yet Essential
While the dressing in this salad may seem minimal—just a couple of tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil along with salt and pepper—it plays a critical role. Olive oil helps bind the ingredients, adds smoothness, and carries the flavors throughout the dish.
High-quality extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Its slightly fruity, peppery flavor complements the arugula while enhancing the richness of the feta. A light seasoning of salt and black pepper ensures that all elements of the salad are highlighted without being overpowered.
Optional lemon wedges are sometimes included when serving, and they add a bright citrus note that elevates the dish even more. A quick squeeze over the top just before eating can transform each bite.
Why This Salad Works for So Many Occasions
One of the best things about this orzo salad is its adaptability. It can be served warm, cold, or even at room temperature, making it suitable for every season. It’s elegant enough for holiday gatherings but easy enough to whip up for a casual family dinner.
It also travels well, which means it’s great for picnics, office lunches, or meal prep. You can customize it by adding grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or swapping in different nuts or cheeses depending on what you have on hand. This flexibility makes it a kitchen staple you’ll keep coming back to.
From a dietary standpoint, it’s vegetarian and easy to make gluten-free with a suitable orzo alternative. It offers a balance of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbs—making it more than just a side dish. It’s a balanced, nutritious, and delicious meal on its own.
A Nutritional Snapshot
With around 279 calories per serving, this salad is a smart option for those looking to eat clean without sacrificing flavor. Each serving offers about 11 grams of fat (mainly from the olive oil and almonds), 38 grams of carbohydrates (thanks to the orzo and dried cherries), and a satisfying 8 grams of protein. It’s light but satiating, and its nutritional makeup supports energy and fullness.
Culinary Tips for Success
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Cool or Warm? Rinsing the orzo with cold water halts the cooking process and prevents clumping. This also makes the salad more refreshing when served cold. For a warm version, skip the rinsing and toss everything together while the pasta is still slightly warm so the feta softens slightly.
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Toasting Matters: Toast your almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden. This quick step enhances flavor and adds a professional touch.
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Batch Prep: This salad holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so it’s ideal for make-ahead lunches. Just keep the arugula separate until serving if you want to preserve its crispness.
Conclusion: A Vibrant Salad That Stands the Test of Time
The Orzo with Feta and Arugula salad is more than just a pretty plate—it’s a harmony of textures and tastes that’s both nourishing and indulgent. It brings together the best of Mediterranean ingredients into one satisfying, simple-to-make dish that works for nearly every occasion. From the chewy orzo and bold arugula to the creamy feta and sweet-tart cherries, every bite delivers a new flavor experience. Whether you’re hosting a summer soirée, looking for an easy lunch, or just craving something refreshing and wholesome, this salad has a well-earned place in your recipe rotation.
Its elegance lies in its simplicity. With minimal ingredients but maximum impact, it’s a celebration of what happens when fresh, flavorful ingredients come together in just the right way.
