Greek Orzo Salad
Are you ready to jazz up your lunchtime routine with a salad that’s as delicious as it is easy to make? Say hello to the Greek Orzo Salad—a vibrant, refreshing dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy.
Imagine tender orzo pasta mixed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy red onions, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty Greek dressing. Sounds amazing, right? Well, it gets even better. This Greek Orzo Salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you still want to eat something healthy and delicious.
- What is Greek Orzo Salad?
- What makes this Orzo Salad with Greek Dressing recipe healthy?
- Why you’ll love this easy Greek Orzo Salad recipe
- What ingredients do you need to make Orzo Salad with Feta and Olives?
- Salad making essentials
- How to make Mediterranean Orzo Salad
- TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
What is Greek Orzo Salad?
Greek Orzo Salad is a delightful combination of orzo pasta and fresh, crunchy veggies, all dressed up in a tangy, homemade Greek dressing. This salad brings the essence of the Mediterranean straight to your table, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing.
What makes this Orzo Salad with Greek Dressing recipe healthy?
This salad is packed with nutritious ingredients. Orzo pasta provides a satisfying base, while the fresh vegetables add vitamins and minerals. Kalamata olives bring healthy fats and antioxidants, and the feta cheese offers a good source of protein and calcium. Plus, the homemade Greek dressing is made with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, which are both heart-healthy and full of flavor.
Why you’ll love this easy Greek Orzo Salad recipe
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this Greek Orzo Salad. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for meal prepping, and great for potlucks or picnics. The flavors are fresh and vibrant, and it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or even on its own as a main course.
RELATED: Bow Tie Greek Pasta Salad – This mouthwatering recipe brings together al dente bow tie pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a medley of fresh herbs. Tossed in a zesty homemade Greek dressing, this vibrant salad bursts with Mediterranean flavors and is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any occasion.
What ingredients do you need to make Orzo Salad with Feta and Olives?
To whip up this tasty Greek Orzo Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Orzo salad
- Orzo Pasta: 1 cup
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Cucumber: 1, diced
- Red Onion: 1/2, thinly sliced
- Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup, pitted and halved
- Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
For the Greek dressing
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup
- Red Wine Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
For the garnish
Lemon Wedges: Optional, for serving
Be sure to check out the full ingredient list and printable recipe in the recipe card below.
How to make Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Making Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is a breeze! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this delicious and healthy dish:
- Cook the Orzo Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the orzo is cooling, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cucumber, and thinly slice 1/2 red onion.
- Pit and halve 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, and crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese.
- Chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley.
- Make the Greek Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
- Pour the Greek dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Gently toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Serve:
- Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Make this Greek Orzo Pasta Salad, then check out my Montreal Steak Salad with Pears, Cranberries and Honey Mustard Dressing, Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad, and Classic Waldorf Salad and more of my pasta salad recipes.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While orzo pasta is traditional, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like bow tie, penne or farfalle.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would be great additions.
Is Greek salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this greek salad recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make Greek Salad Dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dressing and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
How do I store leftovers of Mediterranean Orzo Salad
To store leftover mediterranean orzo salad, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the flavors.
There you have it—a delicious and simple Greek Orzo Salad recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. With its fresh ingredients and tangy dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. So go ahead, give it a try, and let the Mediterranean magic transform your meal!
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Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
Say hello to the Greek Orzo Salad—a vibrant, refreshing dish that's bursting with Mediterranean flavors and perfect for any meal. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
For the Greek Salad
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Greek Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the optional garnish
- lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo pasta with the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Greek Orzo Salad immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Optional: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the salad before eating.
- Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful Greek Orzo Salad!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 309Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 429mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 7g
The provided nutrition information is an estimate and it does not take brands into account. I use an automatic API to calculate this information.