Greek Orzo Salad Recipe with Feta (Easy!)
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Greek Orzo Salad Recipe with Feta (Easy!) is one of those vibrant salads that instantly makes a meal feel like summer. Tender orzo, crisp vegetables, salty feta, and a bright Greek dressing come together for a fresh dish that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for making ahead, this crowd-pleasing salad is always welcome at picnics, backyard gatherings, and family dinners.
You will also love my Grilled Veggie Lemon Orzo Salad and Panzenella Salad!
Quick Look: Greek Orzo Salad Recipe with Feta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6 people
- Dietary Info: Vegetarian
- Method: Chilled orzo salad with homemade vinaigrette
- Technique: Cook and cool the orzo, then toss with fresh vegetables, feta, olives, herbs, and homemade Greek dressing before chilling
- Flavor/Texture: Bright, tangy, briny, fresh
The Best Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
This Greek Orzo pasta salad combines all the perfect flavors and textures!
- Fresh and Vibrant Flavors: Combining fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty Greek dressing creates vibrant and refreshing flavors in every bite.
- Satisfying and Filling: The combination of pasta, cheese, and vegetables makes this salad satisfying and filling. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as a substantial side dish.
- Great for Meal Prep: This salad holds up well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Prepare a batch and enjoy it throughout the week, saving time on daily meal preparation.
If you love Mediterranean flavors, try my Pearl Couscous Salad and Mediterranean Lasagna next.
Made With Amore,
“Delicious and easy to make!”
– Dianne
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
This one-dish pasta salad packs in lots of fresh veggies and flavors.
- Orzo Pasta: A Tender, rice-shaped pasta that gives the salad substance while soaking up the flavorful dressing
- Persian Cucumbers: Adds a crunch and keeps the salad light and fresh
- Feta Cheese: Brings a tangy flavor that is essential to a classic Greek-inspired salad
- Kalamata Olives: Provide a briny bite that adds depth
- Greek Salad Dressing: Combines olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano, and red wine vinegar for a zesty finish
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Orzo Pasta: If you don’t have orzo, substitute with couscous, quinoa, or another small pasta shape.
- Protein Boost: For an additional protein boost, incorporate grilled chicken, leftover Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts, shrimp, garbanzo beans, or tofu, turning the salad into a complete and filling meal.
- Greek Orzo with Artichokes: Add marinated artichoke hearts for a briny and tangy twist. They contribute a unique flavor and complement the Mediterranean theme. Add a bit of lemon zest for fresh flavor. If you love artichokes, check out my Italian Stuffed Artichokes!
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Orzo Salad: For an intense burst of flavor, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and bell peppers. The sweetness of the tomatoes pairs well with the salty feta. Try my Orzo Skillet with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Shrimp!
How to Make Greek Orzo Salad
Fresh, colorful, and packed with Mediterranean flavor, this orzo salad is the kind of dish everyone loves. Follow the step-by step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- In a small bowl, make the homemade Greek salad dressing.
- Alternatively, you can shake ingredients in a small jar with a lid. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions or until al dente. As it cools, the pasta continues to cook a bit.
- Drain the orzo and add to a large mixing bowl. Do not rinse pasta with cold water or lay it on a baking sheet to cool; use this method instead for a more flavorful-tasting pasta salad.
- Once the pasta is cooled, combine it with the fresh herbs and veggies.
- Pour the Greek salad dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle with pine nuts (if using) just before serving
Orzo Salad FAQs
No!! This will reduce the flavor in your salad.
The orzo absorbs dressing as it sits. Simply toss with a little extra dressing before serving.
This pasta salad will last 3-5 days in the fridge in an airtight container. The pasta will soak up the dressing as it sits. If you find it a bit dry, refresh it by adding more sauce just before serving. Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek orzo salad with feta is the perfect addition to any warm-weather meal. I love serving it alongside Grilled Shrimp, Grilled Chicken, Baked Cod, or a Juicy Hamburger for an easy lunch, picnic, or backyard barbecue. The bright Mediterranean flavors pair beautifully with grilled proteins, while the crisp vegetables and tangy feta keep everything feeling fresh and balanced. To round out the meal, serve it with Mexican Fruit Salad or finish with a fresh dessert like Italian Crostata
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Fresh and Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Choose ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and quality feta cheese.
- Balanced Dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust the balance of acidity, sweetness, and saltiness to achieve a well-rounded flavor.
- Chill for Flavor: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavors and allows the ingredients to meld together.
More Delicious Salad Recipes
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Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Greek Orzo Salad
- 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
- 2 Persian cucumbers, halved vertically and sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 4 ounces feta cheese, cut into ¼-inch cubes
- ⅓ cup red onion, diced
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup pinenuts, optional
Greek Salad Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil , + 1 tablespoon
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- To make the Greek salad dressing, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and Dijon mustard in a Small Bowl. Alternatively, shake the ingredients in a small jar with a lid. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions or until al dente. As it cools, the pasta continues to cook a bit.
- Drain the orzo and add to a large mixing bowl. Toss a few times with a wooden spoon to release the hot steam (about 1-2 minutes). Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of the dressing. Toss to combine and let cool for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to cool past.. Do not rinse pasta with cold water or lay it on a baking sheet to cool; use this method instead for a more flavorful tasting pasta salad.
- Once pasta is cooled, combine with the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, feta cheese cubes, diced red onion, pitted Kalamata olives, chopped fresh basil, and chopped fresh mint leaves.
- Pour the rest of the Greek Salad Dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Season the salad with freshly ground black pepper to taste (if desired).
- Refrigerate the Greek Orzo Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Sprinkle with pine nuts (if using) just before serving.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious Greek Orzo Salad!
Notes
- Fresh and Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Choose ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and quality feta cheese.
- Balanced Dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust the balance of acidity, sweetness, and saltiness to achieve a well-rounded flavor.
- Chill for Flavor: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavors and allows the ingredients to meld together.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Everyone loves this. I served it with beef tenderloin. Insert chef kiss here! Thanks for this easy dinner.
Yes! This one is so fresh and easy. I love that you paired it with the beef tenderloin recipe- yum!
Your recipes are a hit with my family, you definitely don’t disappoint, we loved it “Yummy”. The recipe was easy to follow, thank you for sharing.
YAY! Thank you for making my recipe. I make each with love. I am happy you loved this one.
Delish would do again
Yes! Happy to hear this and I hope you do!
Delicious and easy to make!
Yes! Always a crowd pleaser!
We love this fresh salad all year! Yum