Greek Orzo Salad

Greek Orzo Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender orzo pasta with fresh vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty dressing. This Mediterranean-inspired salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal.​Baker by Nature

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this salad comes together in no time.​
• Versatile: Serve it as a light lunch, a side dish, or add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty main course.​
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen over time, making it a great option for meal prep or events.​

Ingredients

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

• Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that serves as the base of the salad.​Simply Recipes
• Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch.​
• Cherry Tomatoes: Provide sweetness and a pop of color.​
• Red Onion: Offers a mild sharpness and vibrant hue.​
• Kalamata Olives: Introduce a briny depth of flavor.​
• Feta Cheese: Adds creaminess and tanginess.​
• Fresh Herbs (Parsley and/or Basil): Enhance the freshness and aroma.​
• Olive Oil: Forms the base of the dressing.​Southern Living+4Allrecipes+4Recipe Runner+4
• Lemon Juice: Provides acidity and brightness.​
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds tanginess to the dressing.​
• Garlic: Infuses the dressing with a subtle kick.​
• Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds flavor.​
• Dried Oregano: A classic herb in Greek cuisine.​
• Salt and Pepper: To season the salad to taste.​Simply Recipes

Directions

1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.​Recipe Runner+2Skinnytaste+2Cooking Classy+2
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo is cooking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and slice the Kalamata olives.​Reddit+1Love and Lemons+1
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.​
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, prepared vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh herbs.​
5. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.​
6. Chill and Serve: For optimal flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.​Allrecipes
• Preparation Time: About 15 minutes.​
• Cooking Time: Around 10 minutes.​
• Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes.​

Variations

• Add Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.​Baker by Nature
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.​
• Grain Substitute: Swap orzo with other small pasta shapes, quinoa, or couscous for a different twist.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.​
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If desired, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off.​

FAQs

What is orzo?

Orzo is a type of small pasta shaped like a large grain of rice. It’s commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.​Cooking With Ayeh+1Baker by Nature+1

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, Greek Orzo Salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit enhances the flavors as they meld together.​

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly. Ensure that the feta cheese used is made without animal rennet if strict vegetarianism is a concern.​

How can I make this salad gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or grain like quinoa.​Love and Lemons

Can I use a different type of cheese?

While feta is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella, though the flavor profile will change.​

What can I serve with Greek Orzo Salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.​

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking together?

After cooking, rinse the orzo under cold water and toss it with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.​

Can I add lettuce or other greens?

Yes, adding greens like arugula or spinach can enhance the salad’s freshness and nutritional value.​

How long does the salad last in the fridge?

The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.​

Can I freeze Greek Or

Print