Mediterranean Cassava Orzo Pasta Salad (Gluten-Free & Grain-Free)
- Our Nourished Kitchen
- Jun 30
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 minutes ago
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When I found orzo pasta made from cassava, I was so excited! In general, I've found that finding gluten-free pasta (or grain-free pasta for that matter) that cooks and tastes like traditional wheat flour pasta is really tricky. It can cook up really hard, mealy, or overly starchy. I had not had any luck finding a good orzo pasta-- until now!
Why You'll Love this Mediterranean Cassava Orzo Pasta Salad
Before my transition to a gluten and dairy-free diet, I LOVED making orzo pasta salads. So when I found Jovial's Grain-Free Cassava Orzo Pasta, I knew I needed make one of my favorite cold grain free pasta salads. This Mediterranean Cassava Orzo Pasta Salad gets its brightness from tomatoes and bell peppers, a delicious briny bite from olives and vegan feta, and freshness from wilted spinach. This Jovial cassava orzo recipe is remarkably similar in both texture and taste to the traditional salad I used to make—and the dairy-free feta crumbles made by the brand Follow Your Heart absolutely take it to the next level (I found the feta at my local Whole Foods and I have also seen it at Sprouts).
Check out Shop My Kitchen Essentials for other great gluten-free cooking products and non-toxic kitchenware I use in my home.
Bring this dairy free feta pasta salad to your next BBQ or gathering- no one will be able to tell any different!
Recipe FAQs
Is this Mediterranean Cassava Orzo Pasta Salad really gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes, this vegan greek orzo salad is naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free. It uses Jovial's Grain-Free Cassava Orzo Pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta, which ensures a gluten-free option that cooks perfectly. Plus, it includes vegan feta from Follow Your Heart, which keeps the salad dairy-free, and gives a classic tangy feta flavor.
How does cassava orzo pasta compare to regular wheat orzo in texture and taste?
Cassava orzo pasta closely mimics the texture and taste of traditional wheat orzo. Unlike some gluten-free pastas that turn out hard or mealy, cassava orzo cooks al dente with a pleasantly soft bite and a pretty neutral flavor. This makes it ideal for salads like this Mediterranean recipe where you want that familiar pasta experience without gluten. Jovial's Grain-Free Cassava Orzo is a great example that I really like and recommend.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a BBQ or party?
Absolutely! This Mediterranean Cassava Orzo Pasta Salad is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can cook the cassava orzo, combine all ingredients, and toss with dressing a few hours before serving. Just add the vegan feta and toasted pine nuts right before serving to keep their texture fresh and crunchy. It's a crowd-pleaser that travels well for gatherings.
Where can I buy the vegan feta used in this recipe?
The vegan feta I love is made by Follow Your Heart. It’s widely available at natural grocery stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts. This dairy-free feta crumbles beautifully over the salad, adding a tangy, creamy bite that elevates the dish.
How long does it take to make this Mediterranean Cassava Orzo Pasta Salad?
It takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. Cooking the cassava orzo to al dente takes around 13 minutes, while preparing the veggies and dressing happens simultaneously. Tossing everything together and adding the finishing touches is quick, making it an easy and fast option for healthy meals any day of the week.
Can I customize this Mediterranean Cassava Orzo Pasta Salad with other ingredients or proteins?
Definitely! This salad is very versatile. You can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu to boost protein or swap in different vegetables like cucumbers or artichokes to suit your taste. The lemon-garlic dressing pairs well with many Mediterranean flavors, so feel free to experiment while keeping the base of cassava orzo and fresh veggies.
Why do you recommend rinsing the cassava orzo after cooking?
Rinsing the cassava orzo briefly with hot water removes excess starch to prevent clumping. This step prevents the pasta from sticking together and keeps the texture light and fluffy in the salad. It’s an important tip to ensure your salad doesn’t turn gummy or clumpy, preserving that perfect al dente bite.
Where can I find more gluten-free and dairy-free recipes like this one?
You can explore many more nourishing recipes on Our Nourished Kitchen. Check out categories like Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Salads for a variety of wholesome dishes. For inspiration, try favorites like our Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie or Dairy-Free Curry Red Lentil Soup to keep your meals exciting and allergy-friendly.
How should I store leftover cassava orzo salad and make it ahead of time?
Plan to eat this cold grain free pasta salad within 1-2 days of making it. The the cassava orzo will definitely absorb the dressing when stored in the fridge overnight. If you plan to make this salad in advance for a party or get together, leave the dressing off and drizzle it on right before serving.
Substitutions & Customizations
Nut Free
Swap pine nuts for toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or roasted sunflower seeds.
Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken, wild-caught salmon, or chickpeas alongside the white beans.
Additional Veggies
Artichoke hearts, cucumbers, or roasted red peppers would be delicious in this dairy free feta pasta salad.
For a delicious, nourishing meal, pair this cold orzo salad with our Crispy Baked Lime Chicken Wings or drizzle with our Fresh Dairy-Free Basil Pesto
Check out other great gluten-free, dairy-free recipes to add to your weekly rotation:
If you try this recipe, leave a comment below👇 and let me know how it turned out—I absolutely love hearing from you!
How to Make this Gluten-Free Mediterranean Cassava Orzo Pasta Salad
Cook the Cassava Orzo: Boil the cassava orzo pasta in salted water until al dente (about 13 minutes). Combine The Veggies: While the cassava orzo pasta is cooking, add the white beans, bell peppers, red onion, halved tomatoes, and sliced olives to a small bowl.
Glass bowl of white cannellini beans alongside small prep bowls of diced yellow bell peppers, red on Adding diced yellow peppers and sliced green olives to a glass bowl of white beans. Glass mixing bowl filled with layered white beans, green olives, yellow peppers, diced red onion Glass mixing bowl filled with layered white beans, green olives, yellow peppers, red onion
Whisk Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
White bowls of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a measuring cup olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper combined in a measuring cup
Drain and Combine the Cassava Orzo: Drain and rinse the cassava orzo pasta in a colander with hot water for 5-10 seconds. Rinsing removes the residual starches and keeps the cassava orzo from sticking together, don't skip this step. Toss the hot orzo immediately with the chopped spinach in a large mixing bowl so the residual heat slightly wilts the greens.
White bean mixture, chopped spinach and warm orzo in bowls combining warm orzo and chopped spinach in a bowl Chopped spinach and warm orzo mixed in a bowl
Mix Orzo with the Veggies and Dressing: Add the veggie mixture to the orzo mixture then pour the lemon-garlic dressing over the top and toss thoroughly to coat.
adding white bean mixture to spinach and orzo in a bowl mixing white bean and orzo in a bowl adding dressing to Cassava Orzo Pasta Salad
Garnish and Finish: Gently fold in the crumbled vegan feta and scatter the toasted pine nuts over the top right before serving to keep them perfectly crunchy.
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