Trader Joes Orzo Salad Recipe

This tender, crunchy Trader Joes Orzo Salad Recipe is made with cherry tomatoes, salty feta, and fresh spinach, ready in just 20 minutes. The magic happens when the warm pasta hits the lemon dressing, soaking up every bit of citrus flavor. I love keeping a big batch of this in the fridge for easy lunches.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to grab a plastic tub of this salad every time I walked into the store. Recreating it at home means I can double the feta and serve it freshly made.

My biggest mistake early on was rinsing the orzo after cooking. Leaving it warm helps the pasta absorb the dressing and slightly softens the spinach.

Jump to Recipe

Trader Joes Orzo Salad Recipe Ingredients

• 1 cup dried orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

How To Make Trader Joes Orzo Salad Recipe

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the orzo in salted boiling water according to package directions, about 9 to 10 minutes, then drain well.
2. Whisk the Dressing: In a large serving bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Combine the Base: Add the warm orzo directly into the bowl with the dressing and toss until completely coated.
4. Fold in the Vegetables: Stir in the cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, and chopped spinach.
5. Add the Feta: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese right before serving to keep the pieces intact.

Recipe Tips

• Do not rinse the pasta: Warm orzo absorbs the vinaigrette much better than cold, rinsed pasta.
• Chop the spinach small: Roughly chopping the spinach helps it distribute evenly through the tiny pasta grains.
• Adjust the acidity: Taste your dressing before mixing; add a splash of red wine vinegar if you want more tang.

What To Serve With Lemon Orzo Salad

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken skewers or baked salmon fillets. You can also serve it alongside warm pita bread and hummus for a complete Mediterranean-style meal.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta will soak up the dressing over time, so you might need a quick drizzle of olive oil before eating. Do not freeze this salad.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ditalini, small shells, or pearl couscous if you cannot find orzo.

Should I serve this warm or cold?

This salad tastes excellent at room temperature or chilled straight from the fridge.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely, making it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Nutrition

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 30g
• Protein: 8g

Try More Recipes:

• Trader Joes Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Chicken Salad Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Rosemary Balsamic Beef Tips