This Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is a bright, refreshing dish packed with tender orzo pasta, crisp vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep, BBQs, or light lunches.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
🍝 Salad Base
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
🥣 Lemon-Olive Oil Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Orzo
- Boil orzo in salted water until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly.
2. Prep the Veggies
- Chop tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives.
- Crumble feta and set aside.
3. Make the Dressing
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine orzo, vegetables, olives, and feta.
- Pour dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
5. Chill or Serve
- Serve immediately or chill for 20–30 minutes for deeper flavor.
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Rinse orzo after cooking to prevent sticking
- Use high-quality olive oil for best Mediterranean flavor
- Add dressing while orzo is slightly cool for better absorption
- Don’t overmix after adding feta to keep it creamy and intact
🔁 Variations
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas
- Extra crunch: Add bell peppers or toasted pine nuts
- Creamy version: Mix in a spoon of Greek yogurt
- Low-carb: Swap orzo for cauliflower rice
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and meal prep
- Serve with grilled meats or fish
- Great as a light lunch or side dish
🔥 Final Thoughts
This Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is fresh, tangy, and full of Mediterranean flavor, making it a simple yet elegant dish for any occasion 🥗🇬🇷✨