Bright, refreshing, and full of Mediterranean flavors, Greek Orzo Salad is the perfect side dish or light meal for any occasion. With tender orzo pasta, crisp vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and a tangy dressing, this salad brings together the best of Greek cuisine in one bowl. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Greek Orzo Salad is the ultimate combination of texture, flavor, and nutrition. The orzo pasta provides a comforting base, while the fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion add a satisfying crunch. The creamy feta cheese and tangy olive oil dressing bring the Mediterranean flavors together, making every bite delicious. This salad is not only full of vibrant ingredients, but it’s also easy to make, customizable, and great for meal prepping!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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

Directions

1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions, usually 7-9 minutes. Drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Veggies: While the orzo cooks, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion and olives.

3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.

5. Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.

6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: To make this salad more filling, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.

• Use Gluten-Free Orzo: If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the regular orzo with gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta.

• Make it Vegan: For a vegan version, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative.

• Add More Veggies: Try adding bell peppers, spinach, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and color.

• Spicy Twist: If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped jalapeño to the salad.

Storage/Reheating

This Greek Orzo Salad is perfect for meal prepping and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more as it sits. Since this salad is served cold, there’s no need to reheat it. Simply take it out of the fridge and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, if you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes like farfalle (bowtie), fusilli, or penne for a similar texture.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, Greek Orzo Salad is great for make-ahead meals. You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it to let the flavors marinate.

Can I use other types of olives?

Yes, if you don’t have Kalamata olives, you can use green olives or black olives, depending on your preference.

Is this salad gluten-free?

The recipe as written is not gluten-free because of the orzo pasta. However, you can use gluten-free orzo or any gluten-free pasta as a substitute.

How can I make the dressing creamier?

To make the dressing creamier, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or a bit of mayonnaise to the mixture.

Can I add other cheeses?

Yes, you can swap the feta cheese for goat cheese, mozzarella, or even a hard cheese like Parmesan if you prefer.

Can I serve this salad warm?

This salad is typically served cold or at room temperature, but you could serve it warm by mixing the dressing into the orzo right after cooking. However, the flavors are best when the salad has chilled a bit.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! You can use fresh oregano or basil instead of dried oregano for a more vibrant flavor. Just use about 2-3 tablespoons of fresh herbs.

How do I prevent the orzo from clumping together?

After draining the orzo, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from clumping together. Toss it with a little olive oil if you’re not serving it right away.

Can I add nuts to this salad?

Yes, you can add toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

Greek Orzo Salad is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and tangy dressing, it’s a light and refreshing meal or side dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re serving it at a party, preparing it for a week of lunches, or enjoying it with dinner, this salad is guaranteed to become a favorite!

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