Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

This vibrant Greek Orzo Salad is summer in a bowl: bright pops of cherry tomatoes, cool cucumbers, briny olives, creamy feta, and fragrant herbs swirl together with tender orzo and a zesty homemade Greek dressing. It’s the kind of nourishing, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any picnic, potluck, or weekday lunch—craveable, fresh, and impossibly easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients to bring this Greek Orzo Salad to life—each one plays a unique role, from crunchy veggies to salty bursts of olive and feta, delivering serious Mediterranean vibes in every forkful.

• Dry orzo pasta: These delicate, rice-shaped noodles soak up the dressing perfectly, making them the backbone of the salad.
• Greek Salad Dressing: Homemade is best! It creates the signature tangy, herby flavor that ties everything together.
• Red wine vinegar: Adds a punchy acidity that brightens up all the flavors.
• Fresh lemon juice: That citrusy zip is non-negotiable for a classic Greek Orzo Salad—trust me!
• Dried oregano: Just a touch of this staple gives major Mediterranean aroma and warmth.
• Sea salt: Brings out the natural flavors of every vegetable and helps balance the dressing.
• Persian cucumbers: Their crispness and mild flavor are perfect—but English cucumbers work if that’s what you’ve got.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color.
• Cooked chickpeas: They add plant-based protein and a creamy-tender texture.
• Feta cheese: Go for blocks and cube them yourself for a creamy, briny bite in every spoonful.
• Red onion: Sliced super-thin so it mingles and mellows with the rest of the ingredients.
• Kalamata olives: Their deep, salty flavor is iconic and brings true Greek flair.
• Fresh basil and/or mint leaves: They bring a cool, herby freshness that’s absolutely addictive!
• Freshly ground black pepper: A final sprinkle right before serving really wakes up all the flavors.

Variations

The beauty of Greek Orzo Salad is how easy it is to make it your own—swap in your favorite veggies, add a protein, or keep it vegan! The flavors will still be bright, bold, and totally irresistible.

• Make it vegan: Skip the feta or use a dairy-free feta-style cheese, and the whole dish is plant-based and just as vibrant.
• Add extra protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn your salad into a satisfying dinner.
• Change up the herbs: Try dill or flat-leaf parsley for an herby twist if you don’t have basil or mint handy.
• Amp up the veggies: Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even baby spinach are delicious additions that add depth and color.
• Use whole wheat orzo: For a heartier, nutty flavor and more fiber, sub in whole wheat orzo or another small pasta shape.

How to Make Greek Orzo Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Orzo

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then drop in the orzo. Cook it just past al dente—this helps the salad stay tender over time. Drain the orzo well, drizzle on a splash of olive oil to keep it from sticking, and spread it on a baking sheet so it cools quickly and doesn’t clump while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Whisk the Greek Dressing

While the orzo cools, whisk up your homemade Greek Salad Dressing. Add the red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, oregano, and sea salt right into the mix for extra zing. This punchy dressing is the secret to a truly mouthwatering Greek Orzo Salad!

Step 3: Prep the Vegetables and Mix-Ins

Grab a big bowl and slice your cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, cube the feta, rinse the chickpeas, thinly slice the onion, and pit those olives. Don’t forget to gently tear (not chop) your fresh basil or mint—this keeps their flavor bright and fragrant.

Step 4: Toss and Dress

Add the cooled orzo, all the veggies, chickpeas, feta, onions, and olives into your bowl. Pour that luscious dressing over the top along with half the fresh herbs and a few grinds of black pepper. Give everything a big, loving toss so every piece is coated and glistening.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the salad into a pretty serving dish and sprinkle on the remaining herbs for a fresh look. Dive in right away, or chill it first—the flavors just keep getting better!

How to Serve Greek Orzo Salad

Garnishes

For the ultimate eye-catching presentation and extra flavor, shower your Greek Orzo Salad with more fresh basil or mint right before serving. I love adding a few whole Kalamata olives or a crumble of extra feta for that perfect, finishing touch—a drizzle of good olive oil on top never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

This salad is so versatile! Serve it alongside grilled lemon-oregano chicken, seared salmon, or juicy lamb chops. It’s also fantastic with toasted pita, hummus, or tzatziki, turning a simple lunch into a Mediterranean-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping potluck centerpiece, pile the salad onto a big platter lined with lettuce or radicchio leaves. Or, serve in mason jars or small bowls for picnics and grab-and-go lunches—just layer the dressing on the bottom and orzo salad on top to keep everything crisp until it’s time to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Orzo Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle toss before eating—sometimes a splash of extra lemon or olive oil perks it up after a night in the fridge.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t ideal for this salad (the fresh veggies and herbs lose their oomph), you can freeze just the cooked, cooled orzo if you want to speed up meal prep next time—just thaw, then toss with the rest of the ingredients fresh.

Reheating

Greek Orzo Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so skip reheating. If making ahead, simply let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and revive all those amazing flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, zesty, and full of color, Greek Orzo Salad is your answer. I truly hope you’ll try it—there’s just something magical about how these simple Mediterranean flavors come together. It’s sure to become a favorite in your own kitchen too!

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