Greek Orzo Salad
This easy Greek Orzo Salad is similar to my Greek Pasta Salad but with orzo and smaller diced veggies. I love orzo for pasta salads–its shape is great with diced veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Greek flavors like feta cheese and kalamata olives add the perfect zest. And for more healthy pasta salad recipes, don’t miss my Grilled Vegetable Orzo Pasta Salad or Italian Pasta Salad.
What is Greek Orzo Salad?
Greek orzo salad is a refreshing pasta salad made with orzo, a rice-shaped pasta made from durum wheat. It’s popular for its bright, zesty flavors which can be served as a side dish or main.
Vegetarian: This filling side dish is suitable for both meat-eaters and vegetarians. To make it vegan, omit the feta. Budget-Friendly: This orzo pasta salad doesn’t have meat, making it affordable for serving a large crowd. Loaded with Veggies: This healthy orzo salad uses 4 colorful vegetables, which contain many vitamins and minerals.
How to Make Greek Orzo Salad
This easy orzo salad comes together quick once all the ingredients are prepped. Here’s the step-by-step photos (see full recipe in recipe card below). Here’s everything you will need to make this Orzo Salad. See exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Greek Orzo Salad Dressing: This vinaigrette consists of red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil, which is seasoned with garlic powder, oregano, and salt. Orzo Pasta: The base of this salad. Use wheat, or gluten-free orzo. If you can’t find orzo, ditalini or acini di pepe would be great. Olives: Kalamata olives add a briny flavor. I also add some brine to the pasta for a salty, savory flavor. Vegetables: Dice red onion, English cucumber, grape or cherry tomatoes, and orange bell pepper into small pieces. This vegetable combo adds a rainbow of color. Feel free to use yellow or red bell pepper instead. Feta Cheese completes this orzo salad with its soft texture and salty taste. Fresh Oregano is an optional garnish, but it adds a burst of freshness. You can also use fresh dill or parsley instead.
Variations
Protein: Add shrimp or chicken for extra protein, or to keep this Greek orzo salad vegetarian, stir in a can of chickpeas. Olives: Swap kalamatas with Castelvetrano olives. Cucumber: If you use a regular cucumber, peel the skin and scoop out the seeds before dicing it. Extra Veggies: Dice baby spinach. Vinegar: Substitute white wine vinegar. Pasta Salad Dressing: Add a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard for some tang. Can’t eat cheese? Omit the feta. Herbs: Swap oregano with basil, parsley, or dill.
What to Serve with Orzo Pasta Salad
Meat: This orzo salad with feta pairs wonderfully with a grilled protein, like chicken, steak, or fish. Try these Greek turkey burgers, grilled chicken kabobs, yogurt marinated chicken, or grilled chicken shawarma. Vegetables: For another veggie side, serve it with Grilled Zucchini or Veggie Kabobs.
Storage
Meal Prep: Pasta salad is best chilled for at least an hour before eating, making it excellent for meal prep and serving at parties. The flavors meld, and the pasta absorbs the dressing. Too Dry? If it seems dry after refrigerating, toss it with a little more dressing before serving. Storage: This Mediterranean orzo salad will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
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