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    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Grapes

    Published: Jul 2, 2024 · Modified: Apr 3, 2025 by Christy Faber · 5 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe

    Enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing orzo pasta salad featuring a colorful combo of crisp zucchini, juicy green grapes and cherry tomatoes, salty feta cheese, and black beans. Tossed in a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic, and herbs, this salad is a perfect balance of salty and sweet.

    For another summer salad option try my Carrot Ribbon and Arugula Salad with a delicious Orange Ginger Vinaigrette.

    Wooden salad server in orzo salad with grapes on a staged dinner table.

    I love the addition of green grapes to this salad. They add delicious pops of sweetness throughout. This Mediterranean Orzo Salad is perfect as a side dish but you can also try adding some grilled chicken to make it a filling main course, it's so easy to prepare and this is a recipe I know you'll come back to again and again! It's a great recipe for using up fresh summer garden produce like zucchini and tomatoes, vegetables that garden's typically have plenty of!

    For another green grape recipe try my Lemon Lime Green Grape Sorbet.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Orzo Salad Ingredients
    • Balsamic Dressing Ingredients
    • How To Make Orzo Salad
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Summer Recipes You'll Love
    • Recipe
    • Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Grapes

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • After boiling the orzo pasta you can whip up this salad in minutes with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining.
    • A great recipe to bring to a potluck!
    • Fun to experiment with different dressings!
    • This recipe is a great way to use and enjoy fresh summer and garden vegetables.

    Orzo Salad Ingredients

    Seven ingredients to make Mediterranean Orzo Salad in small bowls and measuring cups.
    • Orzo - you can choose gluten free orzo pasta if preferred
    • Zucchini - or swap for cucumber
    • Kalamata Olives - or your favourite type of olive!
    • Green Grapes - make sure you choose a seedless variety

    See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

    Balsamic Dressing Ingredients

    Seven ingredients to make balsamic dressing in pinch bowls and measuring cups on a marble tabletop.
    • Olive oil - choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil that is stored in a dark amber bottle
    • Maple Syrup- adds a touch of sweetness. Feel free to swap for honey
    • Italian Seasoning - or swap for oregano

    See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

    How To Make Orzo Salad

    Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this recipe.

    Step 1: Make the balsamic vinaigrette.

    In a mason jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, diced shallot, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake well to mix. Set aside to allow flavors to develop, ideally making it a day ahead.

    Balsamic vinaigrette in a mason jar with a spoon  coming out of it showing details of ingredients.

    Step 2: Cook the pasta.

    Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

    Orzo pasta in a large, ornate glass bowl on a marble tabletop.

    Step 3: Prepare the salad.

    Chop the zucchini, halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes, and quarter the grapes. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo pasta with chopped zucchini, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, black beans, crumbled feta cheese, and quartered grapes.

    Chopped ingredients in a glass bowl showing grapes, cherry tomatoes, and other ingredients.

    Step 4: Add the dressing.

    Pour about half of the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad ingredients.

    Balsamic vinaigrette pouring over unmixed salad from a small mason jar.

    Step 5: Toss, taste and season.

    Toss to combine. Taste the salad and add more dressing if desired. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

    Wooden salad tongs in Mediterranean orzo salad, about to mix together.

    Expert Tips

    • Prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before using it to dress the salad.
    • Choose seedless varieties of grapes for this salad
    • Slice the grapes in half or in quarters to make them easier to eat and distribute evenly throughout the salad.
    • Season the salad with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
    • Add protein to this salad to make it a full meal: add grilled chicken, leftover salmon or cooked shrimp to make this salad more substantial and add extra protein.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

    Absolutely! Feta adds a traditional Mediterranean flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, or even Parmesan to suit your taste preferences.

    Can I make this salad ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the orzo salad ahead of time. I recommend to mix all the ingredients together, including the dressing, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. The flavours just get better with time!

    Can I customize the ingredients?

    Absolutely! Feel free to customize this salad based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can add or substitute vegetables, adjust the amount of cheese or beans, or even try different types of vinaigrette or seasonings.

    Finished  Mediterranean orzo salad with grapes in a glass bowl with wooden tongs in it.

    More Summer Recipes You'll Love

    • Carrot Ribbon Salad with Arugula
    • Orange Ginger Vinaigrette
    • Dill Pickle Cottage Cheese Dip
    • Chickpea smash sandwich with radishes and lettuce leaves showing.
      Harissa Chickpea Smash Sandwich

    If you tried this Mediterranean Orzo Salad or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!

    Recipe

    Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Grapes

    Christy Faber
    Enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing orzo salad featuring a colorful combo of crisp zucchini, juicy green grapes and cherry tomatoes, salty feta cheese, and black beans. Tossed in a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic, and herbs, this salad is a perfect balance of salty and sweet.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine American, greek
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 595 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Orzo Salad

    • 1 cup dried orzo pasta
    • one medium zucchini chopped
    • one pint cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
    • ¼ cup kalamata olive slices
    • 1 cup black beans
    • 100 g crumbled feta about ⅓-1/2 a cup
    • 1 cup seedless green grapes halved or quartered

    Balsamic Vinaigrette

    • ½ cup olive oil
    • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
    • 1 small shallot finely diced
    • 1 tbsp grainy Dijon mustard
    • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
    • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • pepper

    Instructions
     

    • In a mason jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, diced shallot, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake well to mix. Set aside to allow flavors to develop, ideally making it a day ahead.
    • Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
    • Chop the zucchini, halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes, and quarter the grapes. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo pasta with chopped zucchini, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, black beans, crumbled feta cheese, and quartered grapes.
    • Pour about half of the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss to combine.
    • Taste the salad and add more dressing if desired. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
    • Serve immediately or cover the salad and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy within 48 hours for the best flavor and texture.

    Notes

    • Prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before using it to dress the salad.
    • Choose seedless varieties of grapes for this salad
    • Slice the grapes in half to make them easier to eat and distribute evenly throughout the salad.
    • Season the salad with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
    • Add protein to this salad to make it a full meal: add grilled chicken, leftover salmon or cooked shrimp to make this salad more substantial and add extra protein.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 257gCalories: 595kcalCarbohydrates: 58.08gProtein: 16.29gFat: 34.48gSaturated Fat: 7.84gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.557gMonounsaturated Fat: 21.743gTrans Fat: 0.013gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 498mgPotassium: 1008mgFiber: 11.2gSugar: 14.37gVitamin A: 491IUVitamin C: 55.9mgCalcium: 217mgIron: 3.79mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    If you make this recipe please leave a comment and give this recipe a rating! I aim to respond to every single comment. I am so grateful when you trust me and try one of my recipe creations in your own kitchen. I love to hear how it went!  Let’s connect on Instagram and tag me in your food pics!

    ‘Til next time,

    Christy

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jess says

      July 07, 2024 at 11:12 am

      5 stars
      I needed a light salad like this one! I love the combinations of flavours. And I would have never thought to add pepper to this, but it's delicious. A must!

      Reply
    2. Tianna says

      July 04, 2024 at 3:41 pm

      5 stars
      Really great summer salad, the grapes are a sweet addition!

      Reply
    3. Rita says

      July 04, 2024 at 9:14 am

      5 stars
      Definitely a keeper! wonderful blend of summer flavors!

      Reply
    4. Adrian says

      July 03, 2024 at 8:10 am

      5 stars
      This was incredible! It’s the perfect meal for the summer, I loved the combination of grapes with the Mediterranean salad!

      Reply
    5. Lauren says

      July 02, 2024 at 2:08 pm

      5 stars
      This is my new favourite summer salad! So tasty, light, lots of “stuff” in it, and the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Perfect for picnics and summer work lunches!

      Reply
    5 from 5 votes

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    Recipe Rating




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    Welcome,

    I’m Christy

    a happy wife and mother to three boys, a nutritionist, a food lover and a Canadian. Creating and experimenting in the kitchen is my idea of an afternoon well spent. To me, a clean kitchen is an empty canvas of possibility and that means my kitchen never stays clean for long. My dream is that one or more of the recipes I share here will inspire you, perhaps even becoming a cherished family favourite.

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