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mediterranean orzo salad recipe

Mediterranean Orzo Salad Jars

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 jars

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup orzo pasta dry
  • 1 can chickpeas 15 oz, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup English cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 cups baby spinach loosely packed
For the Lemon Herb Dressing
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1 large lemon
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Spread on a sheet pan or plate to cool completely.
  2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. While the orzo cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, halve the olives, and thinly slice the red onion. Crumble the feta cheese.
  4. Divide the dressing evenly among four wide-mouth quart-sized mason jars (about 2 tablespoons per jar). Layer in this order: chickpeas, olives, red onion, cooled orzo, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and finally baby spinach on top.
  5. Secure the lids tightly on each jar. Store upright in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  6. When ready to eat, shake the jar vigorously to distribute the dressing throughout all the layers. Enjoy directly from the jar or pour into a bowl.

Notes

• For the best texture, keep the jars upright during storage so the dressing stays at the bottom.
• Add fresh herbs like basil, dill, or parsley to the spinach layer for even more flavor.
• If meal prepping, leave the feta and spinach out of jars you won't eat within 2 days, and add them fresh before serving.