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Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

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Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Description

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is a fresh, colorful, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, meal prep, or as a light lunch or dinner. Tender orzo pasta is tossed with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, Kalamata olives, red onion, and fresh herbs, then coated in a bright homemade lemon-herb vinaigrette. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, salty, and refreshing flavors inspired by the Mediterranean. Unlike heavy pasta salads loaded with mayonnaise, this version is light, vibrant, and naturally refreshing. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, and the flavors become even better after chilling in the refrigerator for an hour or two. This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, salmon, or can be enjoyed as a satisfying vegetarian meal on its own. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a healthy meal-prep recipe for the week, Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is guaranteed to impress. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, wholesome ingredients, and a zesty homemade dressing that brings everything together into one irresistible bowl.

Ingredients For the Salad

  • 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large English cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)

For the Lemon Herb Dressing

  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

  • Grilled chicken
  • Chickpeas
  • Avocado
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Artichoke hearts

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  4. Transfer the cooled orzo to a large mixing bowl.
  5. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, parsley, dill, and mint.
  6. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  8. Pour the dressing over the salad.
  9. Toss gently until every ingredient is evenly coated.
  10. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
  11. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
  12. Give the salad one final toss before serving.
  13. Garnish with extra feta, fresh parsley, and a few whole Kalamata olives.
  14. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips

  • Cook the orzo just until al dente to keep it from becoming mushy.
  • Rinse the pasta lightly with cold water so it cools quickly without sticking together.
  • Use high-quality feta packed in brine for the best flavor.
  • Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference compared to bottled juice.
  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to turn it into a complete meal.
  • The salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Stir in a splash of olive oil and lemon juice before serving leftovers to refresh the flavors.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Q&A

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. It’s an excellent make-ahead recipe and can be prepared up to one day in advance. The flavors become even better as it chills.

Can I use another pasta?
Absolutely. Small pasta shapes like ditalini, couscous, farfalle, or rotini work well if orzo isn’t available.

How do I keep the salad from drying out?
Reserve a little dressing and toss it into the salad just before serving to refresh the texture and flavor.

What can I serve with Greek Orzo Pasta Salad?
It’s delicious alongside grilled chicken, steak, lamb, shrimp, salmon, burgers, kebabs, or served with warm pita bread and hummus.

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

  • Calories: 315
  • Protein: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 480mg

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