Introduction
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and flavor-packed dish that combines tender orzo pasta with crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, meal prep, or a light yet satisfying lunch, this Mediterranean-inspired salad is both refreshing and nutritious.
A Brief History
Orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, has been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. The Greeks often use it in soups, salads, and baked dishes. Greek Orzo Pasta Salad draws inspiration from traditional Greek flavors, incorporating ingredients like feta, olives, and lemon dressing, making it a modern twist on classic Greek salads.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
Light & Refreshing – Perfect for warm weather or as a side dish.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Packed with Flavor – A mix of briny, tangy, and herby goodness.
Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh for days in the fridge.
Customizable – Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Orzo:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add orzo and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Chill & Serve:
- Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
Add Protein – Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make this a complete meal.
Make It Creamy – Stir in a little Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.
Swap the Pasta – Try quinoa, couscous, or whole wheat orzo for a healthier twist.
Extra Crunch – Add toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for a nutty bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours as the flavors meld together.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Can I use another cheese instead of feta?
Goat cheese or shredded Parmesan works great too!
Can I serve this warm?
Absolutely! Skip rinsing the orzo with cold water and serve immediately after tossing.
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad 🥗🇬🇷
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- ½ cup Kalamata olives sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook orzo pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, onion, olives, and feta.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the orzo pasta to the vegetables, pour over the dressing, and toss well.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve chilled.
Notes
Final Thoughts
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, packed with bold Mediterranean flavors and the perfect balance of freshness and texture. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, BBQ, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a delicious and easy option you’ll want to make again and again!