Salad with Greek Orzo

Energy: 173
Ingredients: 5 grams of protein, 24 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of fat, and 30 minutes

Light and savory, this Greek Orzo Salad recipe calls for pasta and is equally at home as a main course or side. It would pair wonderfully with all of your summertime grilling creations!

If you like my Greek Pasta Salad but prefer orzo and smaller diced vegetables, you’ll love my simple Greek Orzo Salad. The shape of orzo is perfect for pasta salads, especially when topped with chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and other veggies.

Greek ingredients, such as kalamata olives and feta cheese, give it the right amount of tang. Also, try my Italian Pasta Salad or Grilled Vegetable Orzo Pasta Salad if you’re looking for some more nutritious pasta salad ideas.

Anyone looking for a satisfying side dish might enjoy this vegetarian version. Leave the feta cheese out if you’re trying to make it vegan.
Saving Money: Since this orzo pasta salad is meatless, it may be served to a big group without breaking the bank.
This nutritious orzo salad uses four vibrantly colored veggies that are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Greek orzo salad – what is it?

Greek orzo salad is a light and refreshing pasta dish that features orzo, a durum wheat noodle shaped like rice. It’s versatile and may be eaten as an entree or a side dish because to its bright and zesty ingredients.

All the ingredients for this delicious orzo salad are listed here. Below this recipe card, you will find the exact measurements.

Dressing for a Greek Orzo Salad: Garlic powder, oregano, salt, and lemon juice are the seasonings used to season this vinaigrette, which also includes olive oil and red wine vinegar.
The orzo pasta serves as the salad’s foundation. Try wheat or orzo that isn’t gluten-based. Diatalini or acini di pepe would work wonderfully in place of orzo.
Olives: The briny flavor is enhanced by kalamata olives. To give the pasta a salty, savory taste, I also add some brine.
Dietary vegetables: Trim and finely chop the following: English cucumber, red onion, grape or cherry tomatoes, and orange bell pepper. Get a kaleidoscope of colors with this vegetable combination. Any bell pepper color will do, including yellow or red.
The orzo salad isn’t complete without the salty flavor and creamy texture of feta cheese.
Garnish with fresh oregano for an extra burst of flavor; it’s totally optional. Consider substituting fresh parsley or dill.

The Greek Way to Prepare Orzo Salad

Once you have all the ingredients chopped and ready, this orzo salad is a breeze to put together. See the complete recipe on the recipe card below for the accompanying images showing each step.

A bowl of Greek orzo salad.Mix everything together then top with Feta cheese.
To avoid overpowering aromas in cold pasta salad and hardening noodles, I prefer to cook orzo until it’s soft, not al dente.

Dressing for Orzo Salad: In a big basin, whisk together the six vinaigrette ingredients.
Ingredients Remaining: In a bowl, combine the red onion, olives, and brine. Next, add the pasta and other veggies. Stir to combine.
Garnish with fresh oregano and mix in the feta just before serving.

Different kinds

For protein, you may either add shrimp or chicken to this Greek orzo salad, or you can throw in a can of chickpeas if you’re a vegetarian.
Olives: Castelvetrano olives should be used instead of kalamatas.
Cucumber: Before chopping a standard cucumber, remove its skin and seeds.
Additional Veggies: Mince young spinach.
For the vinegar, try using white wine vinegar instead.
A teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard will give the pasta salad dressing a tangy flavor.
Intolerance to cheese? Leave the feta out.
Herbs: Try using basil, parsley, or dill instead of oregano.

Pesto Salad with Greek Orzo

Orzo Pasta Salad Complements Meat: You can’t go wrong with grilled chicken, steak, fish, or orzo salad with feta. You can’t go wrong with these grilled chicken shawarma, kabobs, or Greek turkey burgers.
Grilled zucchini or veggie kabobs are two more vegetarian sides that go well with this.
Storage

Pasta salad is great for meal prepping and entertaining because it tastes best when chilled for at least an hour before consumption. As the spaghetti soaks up the dressing, the flavors combine.

Is it Too Dried Out? After chilling, add more dressing and toss to coat if it appears dry.
You can store this orzo salad with a Mediterranean twist for up to four days in the fridge.

Why I Love This Orzo Pasta Salad: Gina Homolka’s headshot in the kitchen

I entertain a lot throughout the summer, and pasta salads are a must when we barbecue. Whether you’re celebrating Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or simply having guests around, Greek orzo pasta salad is a hit every time. It makes enough for a party, is simple to prepare, and the leftovers are excellent for lunch. I love using orzo in pasta salads since the shape is ideal for salads with little vegetables and pairs well with anything grilled.