Orzo Pasta Salad Without Feta Recipe

Chef Amelia
October 19, 2023
120 Comments

Summer is the time for light and refreshing meals, and orzo pasta salad without feta is the perfect dish for the occasion. It’s made with simple ingredients, but it’s packed with flavor. And because it’s so easy to make, you can have it on the table in no time.

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This recipe is also vegan and dairy-free, so it’s perfect for everyone in your family and friend group. And it’s so versatile, you can customize it to your liking. Add your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices to make it your own.

Why make orzo pasta salad without feta?

There are many reasons why you might want to make orzo pasta salad without feta. Perhaps you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, or maybe you just don’t like the taste of feta cheese.

Whatever the reason, this recipe is a great option for everyone.

Why Skip the Feta?

The no-feta trend might seem surprising, but countless food enthusiasts have joined it recently, breathing innovation into traditional recipes.

One of the reasons is the unique, alternative flavors that the absence of feta in an orzo pasta salad can unveil.

Leaping off the feta bandwagon, the orzo pasta salad takes an unexpected, yet delectable, twist. The absence of feta allows lighter notes of other ingredients to come forward, opening up a novel world of sensory experiences for adventurous eaters.

Ingredients of Orzo pasta salad without feta

Ditching the feta doesn’t mean compromising on taste in your orzo pasta salad. With the right ingredients and cooking techniques, you can strike a balance between creamy and crisp that tantalizes your palate.

To jumpstart this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 cucumber, diced

1 tomato, diced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Choosing the Right Orzo Variety

Selecting the perfect orzo variety is an integral part of crafting an Orzo Pasta Salad Without Feta that’s truly top-tier. You want an orzo that’s robust, absorbs dressings well, and complements the vibrant veggies in your salad.

Consider whole wheat orzo for a healthier alternative and added fiber.
For more colorful plating, opt for tri-color orzo.

If you’re all about texture, pick pearl orzo for its larger grains.
Want a more substantial salad? Go for Italian orzo, which has a more solid bite.

Some Ingredient Swaps

The phrase ‘Orzo pasta salad without feta’ doesn’t mean an absence of flavors. You can in fact play around with some alternatives:

Avocado: Creamy, nutrient-dense, and an ideal replacement for the bind and taste that feta provides.
Walnuts: Great for boosting the nutrition and adding that perfect crunch.
Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness and vivid color.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Intense flavor that marries well with the orzo pasta.
Sweet corn: Adds pop, contrast and a slight sweetness.
Smoked salmon or grilled chicken: A protein kick to satisfy the health-conscious.

Arugula: Elevates the salad with its peppery zest.
Capers: Provides the tangy burst of flavor that replaces the need of feta.
Grated Parmesan: Not a fan of feta, yet crave for some cheesiness? Sprinkle some parmesan and savor the glory.

Tasty and yummy orzo pasta salad without feta

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Orzo Pasta Salad

Drain and rinse with cold water.
In a large bowl, combine the orzo, cucumber, tomato, red onion, parsley, and dill.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Pour the dressing over the orzo salad and toss to combine.
Serve immediately or chill for later.

The Perfect Orzo Pasta Base

Cooking Tips for the Creamiest Orzo

With savvy cooking techniques, you can cook your orzo to a creamy perfection even without the feta cheese.

Start with a pot of boiling, salted water to enhance the orzo’s subtle nutty flavor.
Cook your orzo until it becomes tender, but is still al-dente to retain a satisfying texture.
Try stirring the cooked orzo with a bit of olive oil for an extra level of creaminess.

Applying low heat for a slow and steady cook helps maintain the dreamy, creamy texture of your orzo pasta.
Add vegetables or protein while the orzo pasta is still warm to let the flavors meld together.

Roasting Techniques for Unique Flavors

Extraordinary flavors begin with your vegetables. Roasting them adds depth and complexity to your orzo pasta salad without feta that can’t be matched. Experiment with different temperatures and timings for the perfect balance of texture and taste.

Roasting vegetables is an art. To redefine your orzo pasta salad without feta, slow-roast your chosen veggies. This brings out their natural sweetness, offering a suave, mellow flavor profile.

Caramelizing onions, peppers, or tomatoes takes your salad game to new heights. Roasting them at a high heat to give you the result you need

Dressings and Toppings

Homemade Dressing: Tangy Lemon Vinaigrette

A tangy lemon vinaigrette is the heartbeat of our orzo pasta salad without feta. I just love this dressing! By adding a generous drizzle, you’ll experience a citric freshness that instantly revitalizes your whole dish.

When life hands you lemons, make vinaigrette! Allow this homemade dressing to redefine your expectations of an orzo pasta salad without feta. I swear, you’ll like it.

Alternative Toppings: Crumbled Bacon or Olives

Imagine your Orzo pasta salad without feta bursting with a meatier texture.

Introducing crumbled bacon to your Orzo salad upscales everything and what remains is an interplay of smoky and salty flavors – a harmonious fusion of Italian and American cuisines in a single bite.

There’s another twist you can add into the mix, too. Consider incorporating black and green olives. Not only do olives intensify the gusto, but they also give an aesthetic treat to the eyes with their contrasting colors.

Olives lend a refined flavor profile and a complimentary salty zing, subtly sculpting your palate for a well-rounded and satisfying lunch or dinner. Their umami-packed goodness creates a riveting medley of flavors that whirls around your fork.

Serving Suggestions for Orzo Pasta Salad

Your Orzo pasta salad without feta is versatile enough to be served either hot or cold, making it a crowd-pleaser at any dining event.

For a creamier dressing, add a dollop of vegan yogurt or hummus.
If you like spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
For a more substantial salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Serve the orzo pasta salad as a side dish with your favorite main course, or pack it for lunch the next day.

Storing Leftovers: Maintaining Freshness

Your leftover can still taste as fresh and delicious as when you first prepared it. It takes only a bit of clever planning and a few simple steps.

One secret to keeping it fresh is ensuring the salad is properly cooled before storing it. Room temperature encourages bacteria growth so sitting out at this point is a no-go for our salad.

Storage containers matter too. Choose airtight containers, preferably glass as they tend to hold flavors better and are safer for reheating if you plan to do so.
The amount of time in the fridge also dictates freshness. Your Orzo Pasta Salad without Feta tastes best when consumed within 1-3 days, though it can last up to a week. Beyond this, it loses its distinctive tang.

If you have a large batch, consider portioning it out. This way, each serving will retain its freshness as you don’t have to continually open and close one big container.

Frequently asked questions:

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you don’t have feta cheese, you can substitute another type of cheese, such as vegan Parmesan cheese or crumbled tofu. You can also omit the cheese altogether.

What vegetables can I add to this salad?

Other vegetables that you can add to this salad include: Bell peppers, Carrots, Celery, Corn, Olives, Peas, Sun-dried tomatoes, Zucchini

What herbs can I add to this salad?

Other herbs that you can add to this salad include: Basil, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme

Orzo Pasta Salad Without Feta Recipe

Chef Amelia

Orzo pasta salad without feta is the perfect summertime dish. It's light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking.

4.34 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 5 people

Calories 228 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 cucumber diced
1 tomato diced

½ cup red onion diced
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup chopped fresh dill

¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Start with a pot of boiling, salted water to enhance the orzo’s subtle nutty flavor.

Cook your orzo until it becomes tender, but is still al-dente to retain a satisfying texture. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Try stirring the cooked orzo with a bit of olive oil for an extra level of creaminess.
Applying low heat for a slow and steady cook helps maintain the dreamy, creamy texture of your orzo pasta.

In a large bowl, combine the orzo, cucumber, tomato, red onion, parsley, and dill. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the orzo salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Keyword orzo pasta salad without feta, salads, vegetarian, vegetarian appetizers

Chef Amelia

Amelia is a passionate chef who finds joy in trying out different cuisines and dishes and sharing her expertise with the world. She enjoys cooking and curating recipes so much!

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