INSTANT POT DIY MEDITERRANEAN ORZO PASTA SALAD
Perfect for a summer potluck, crowd or lunch box.
Why DIY?
The reason this is a DIY salad is that you can add whatever you have to hand and it still tastes amazing!
Why Instant Pot?
We are cooking our pasta in the Instant Pot which will require no draining and we can add the remaining ingredients straight to the pot - essentially this is a one-pot Pasta Salad
How to Cook Orzo pasta in a pressure cooker?
The ratio of Pasta to water: 1: 1 ½ (one: one and a half)
3-minute HIGH-pressure cook
10 minutes NPR then release the pressure manually
Tips:
Add oil to avoid stickiness
The orzo will be slightly sticky when cooked, however, let it cool, every grain will separate.
Stovetop Orzo pasta salad
Boil plenty of water in a pan and cook the pasta according to packet instructions.
Drain the pasta and simply add all of the ingredients together.
Either eat warm immediately or refrigerate if it is made in advance.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Orzo Pasta Salad:
Orzo pasta - we like using Orzo for this style of salad but you can also use other types of pasta. However, cooking times and the amount of water for the Instant Pot may change!
Olive Oil - Extra virgin olive oil is best and provides a really wonderful flavour to the salad
Balsamic Vinegar - use Balsamic Vinegar of Modena for the best taste.
Italian Herbs - you can also use Herbs de Provence or Mixed Herbs.
Cherry Tomatoes - if you do not have cherry tomatoes, you can also chop a tomato or two and add to the salad.
Sundried Tomatoes - definitely use sun-dried tomatoes in this recipe if you have them as they add extra depth than just using fresh tomatoes.
Olives - we have used bottled black Kalamata Olives
Capers - these taste similar to olives so if you do not have any, then you can just add a few more olives instead.
Fresh herbs - we have used Basil, Parsely, and Mint from our garden but you can use whatever herbs you have to hand
Cucumber - cucumber really freshens up the salad
Red Onion
Feta cheese- omit if vegan or add any cooked beans or nuts.
Seasoning - salt/pepper
Tips: To add some protein to the recipe, you could add some tinned chickpeas or some chopped nuts. Pine nuts work well.
Don't have feta? use Mozzarella cheese, it adds a delicate and creamy flavour.
Optionally toss in this Basil Sauce for a bright flavour.
Method
Recipe cooks in 3 minutes. While the pressure cooker is cooling down, prepare all the other ingredients.
1. In the inner pan of the Instant pot, pan add orzo, water and oil.
2. Close the lid and set the cooker at HIGH-pressure for 3 minutes.
3. After 10 minutes NPR, release the pressure manually if any left, let it cool.
4. Using a fork, separate the pasta, add chopped cucumber, tomatoes and onion.
5. Tip in sundried tomatoes, olives, Italian seasoning and fresh mixed herbs.
6. Add oil, balsamic vinegar, cheese and season the salad.
Serve.
Storage
Best Summer Recipes:
Summer Salads
Best Pesto Potato Salad in Instant Pot (vegan)
Vegan Watermelon Carpaccio with Tahini
Instant Pot Vegan Potato Salad
Chickpea Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing in Instant Pot - gluten-free and diabetic friendly
Summer Desserts
Summer Drinks
📖 Recipe
INSTANT POT DIY MEDITERRANEAN ORZO PASTA SALAD
Ingredients
- 2 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cup water
- 7-8 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup cucumber chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup red onion sliced
- ¼ cup sundried tomatoes
- 4 tablespoon olives chopped or halved
- 3 tablespoon capers
- ¼ cup mixed fresh herbs chopped
- 2 tbsp. dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 5-6 tbsp. feta cheese crumbled
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Place orzo pasta, water and 3 tbsp. oil in an inner pan of Instant pot.
- Pressure cook for 3 minutes on HIGH.
- After 10 minutes NPR, release the pressure manually.
- Let the pasta cool down a little, as this stage, they are little sticky.
- Once cooled, using fork separate the pasta.
- Then add all the other salad ingredients along with remaining oil and mix well.
- Serve.
Video
Notes
You may add cooked beans or lightly roasted nuts. Â Â The nutritional information provided is an approximation calculated by an online calculator. Please consult a professional dietitian for nutritional advice.
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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Dimpy says
So tasty 😋
Lathiya says
This sounds like a fun and interesting salad to have. Cooking Orzo in instant pot is great idea.
JollyHomemadeRecipes says
Oh my my this looks really beautiful one post instant pasta bowl, I’m sure they must be so yum. I’ve recently seen this variety of pasta in masterchef Australia kitchen. This looks so fabulous!
Sasmita says
WOW love this kind of one pot pasta bowl. Salad using pasta is a lovely idea for sure. Also love the fact that one can make this with whatever in hand !
Padma says
What a delicious and refreshing orzo salad...such a filling salad with all the goodness of the veggies...Good for parties!! Amazing share dear!!
cookingwithsapana says
I love trying new pasta varieties and orzo is in my lists. This salad looks so vibrant and very delicious. Love your pictures.
jayashree says
Love these Mediterranean salads, they are light and filling. I have never tried Orzo, must try it sometime. Looks delicious.
Uma Srinivas says
Orzo is my favorite pasta. I make often with lemon and peas. These looks delicious and will try it next time.
mildly indian says
This is so cool. I love the medley of vegetables and will look forward to making this in summer. Moreover, it looks a great idea for a potluck.
Mayuri Patel says
This recipe for Mediterranean Orzo Pasta salad looks superb. Such a filling and delicious salad full of flavours and colorful too. Perfect summer time light meal to enjoy.
Lata Lala says
The recipe for Mediterranean salad looks super delicious Jagruti. It's versatility and customisation makes it good choice.
Beautiful pics.
Vandana says
Can't tell you how much I love your photographs as well as your recipes. Loved this one too. Mediterranean salads are my favorite but I never tried making it with orzo. I will try this one for sure.
Vanitha says
Wow!! Looks super delicious and cannot wait to get my hands on my IP in Boston to try this! Love the idea of using orzo; not available here in Indian for me right now; but will try soon! Super, super delicious dear!
Pavani says
What a beautiful and inviting orzo salad. Love that the recipe is so versatile and easily customizable. I think most of the ingredients at home - will definitely try this recipe out soon.
Bless My Food by PAYAL says
"No draining required" and "add whatever you like" are the highlights of this beautifully looking pasta. Amazing.