Cook the whole wheat orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
While the orzo is cooking, prepare the Mediterranean herb-infused vinaigrette. Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk together until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo pasta, farm-fresh baby spinach leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, pitted and halved Kalamata olives, crumbled Bulgarian feta cheese, finely diced spicy Calabrese salami, and oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes.
Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Drizzle the zesty homemade Mediterranean herb-infused vinaigrette over the salad. Start with a few tablespoons and add more as desired. Toss the salad again to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
Once everything is well mixed and coated with the dressing, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with a few extra crumbles of feta cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Serve chilled and enjoy your flavorful Costco-inspired Mediterranean Orzo Salad!
Notes
For a creamier dressing, add a bit of plain Greek yogurt.
For extra flavor, add some feta cheese or Kalamata olives.
For extra crunch, add some toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
To make the salad a bit heartier, add some grilled chicken or shrimp.
If you want to make the salad ahead of time, make sure to store the dressing separately from the salad.
You can also substitute other vegetables, such as zucchini or artichokes, if you don't have the above vegetables on hand.