Name: Greek Orzo Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Greek Orzo Salad is a light, refreshing Mediterranean dish that combines orzo pasta with crisp vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta, and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a satisfying side dish, this salad offers a balance of texture and flavor that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Greek Orzo Salad is a vibrant and versatile dish, ideal for warm-weather meals or as a make-ahead lunch option. It comes together quickly, is easily customizable, and boasts a delightful combination of tangy, salty, and fresh flavors. Whether served alone or alongside grilled meats, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Orzo pasta
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumber
Red onion
Kalamata olives
Feta cheese
Fresh parsley
Fresh mint
Lemon juice
Red wine vinegar
Dijon mustard
Garlic
Dried oregano
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

directions

Cook the orzo in salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the olives, parsley, and mint.
In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Add the cooled orzo to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat.
Mix in the prepared vegetables, olives, and herbs.
Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)

Variations

Add protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier dish.
Use different cheese: Swap feta for goat cheese or a vegan alternative.
Switch up herbs: Use basil or dill instead of mint and parsley for a different flavor profile.
Include greens: Toss in spinach or arugula for added nutrients and texture.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta or cooked quinoa.

storage/reheating

Store the Greek Orzo Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If it becomes dry, refresh with a little extra lemon juice or olive oil before serving.

FAQs

What is orzo?

Orzo is a type of pasta shaped like a large grain of rice. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well, making it ideal for salads.

Can I make Greek Orzo Salad ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made a day in advance. In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld.

Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?

While orzo is ideal for this salad, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can also work.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

It will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative.

What’s the best way to keep the salad from drying out?

Toss the salad with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice before serving if it seems dry after refrigeration.

Is it gluten-free?

Traditional orzo is not gluten-free, but you can use gluten-free orzo or another alternative like quinoa.

What can I serve with Greek Orzo Salad?

It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a mezze platter with hummus and pita.

Should I rinse the orzo after cooking?

Yes, rinsing cools the pasta and prevents it from sticking together in the salad.

Can I freeze Greek Orzo Salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the vegetables and pasta will change upon thawing.

Conclusion

Greek Orzo Salad is a deliciously simple dish that brings the bright, savory flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Quick to prepare and adaptable to your preferences, it’s perfect for meal prep, entertaining, or a healthy weeknight side. Enjoy its fresh, zesty character in every bite.