Greek Orzo Salad

Greek Orzo Salad is a light, zesty, and colorful dish that brings together Mediterranean flavors in a refreshing pasta salad. It features tender orzo pasta tossed with crisp vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta cheese, and a vibrant lemon-oregano vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a side dish, potluck favorite, or even a standalone lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Greek Orzo Salad is quick, fresh, and packed with bold flavors. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and tangy ingredients that make it feel both hearty and light. This salad is ideal for meal prep, picnics, BBQs, or weeknight dinners. It can be served cold or at room temperature, and it’s highly customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Orzo pasta
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, diced
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh dill (optional)
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Red wine vinegar
• Garlic, minced
• Dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper

directions

1. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and dill.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients.
5. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people as a side dish or 3–4 as a main.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes (plus optional chill time)

Variations

• Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
• Use Whole Wheat Orzo: For added fiber and a more nutritious base.
• Swap the Dressing: Try a tzatziki-inspired yogurt dressing for a creamier texture.
• Make It Vegan: Skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative.
• Add Greens: Toss in baby spinach or arugula for extra freshness.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Greek Orzo Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed. If the salad dries out slightly after a day or two, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh it before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Greek Orzo Salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dish. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good toss before serving.

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely. Small pasta shapes like bowties, ditalini, or couscous work well as substitutes.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Not with traditional orzo, but you can use gluten-free orzo or a gluten-free pasta alternative.

What’s the best feta to use?

Block feta in brine has the best flavor and texture. Crumble it yourself for a fresher taste.

Can I skip the olives?

Yes, feel free to omit or replace them with capers or more vegetables if you’re not a fan of olives.

Can I serve this warm?

You can, though it’s traditionally served chilled or at room temperature. Warm orzo works well too if you’re in a hurry.

How long will leftovers last?

Stored properly, it stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

What can I serve with Greek Orzo Salad?

It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, pita bread, or falafel.

Is it okay to use bottled dressing?

You can, but homemade dressing is fresher and more flavorful. If using store-bought, go for a high-quality Greek vinaigrette.

Can I freeze Greek Orzo Salad?

Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh vegetables and cheese—it can get mushy after thawing.

Conclusion

Greek Orzo Salad is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that celebrates the best of Mediterranean ingredients. Whether you’re prepping it for a party, lunchbox, or a simple side, this salad delivers bold taste and refreshing textures every time. Customize it your way and enjoy a healthy, satisfying bite of Greece in every forkful.

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