This Greek Orzo Salad Recipe is a light and flavorful pasta salad that is delicious as a side dish or main dish. I think it will go perfectly with any dish this summer!
Greek Orzo Salad
This easy Greek orzo salad is similar to a Greek pasta salad, but with orzo and smaller chopped vegetables. I love orzo in pasta salads. The shape goes well with chopped vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Greek flavors like feta cheese and kalamata olives add the perfect flavor. And for more healthy pasta salad recipes, don't miss my Roasted Vegetable Orzo Pasta Salad or Italian Pasta Salad.
Why I Love This Orzo Pasta Salad
I have a lot of fun with summer and grilling pasta salads are a must. Whether you're celebrating Memorial Day, the 4th of July, or just hosting friends, you can't go wrong with Greek Orzo Pasta Salad because everyone loves it. It's good enough for a party, easy to make, and the leftovers are great for lunch. I love using orzo in pasta salads. The shape is perfect for salads with small vegetables and goes well with anything you bake.
- vegetarian: This filling side dish is suitable for both meat eaters and vegetarians. To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese.
- Budget-Friendly: This orzo pasta salad is meat-free, making it affordable for a crowd.
- Packed with vegetables: A healthy orzo salad made with four colorful vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals.
What is Greek Orzo Salad?
Greek Orzo Salad is a refreshing pasta salad made with orzo, a rice-shaped pasta made from durum wheat. It is popular for its bright, intense flavor that can be served as a side dish or main dish.
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Everything you need to make Orzo Salad is here. Check the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Greek Orzo Salad Dressing: This vinaigrette consists of red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil, and is flavored with garlic powder, oregano, and salt.
- Barley Pasta: The base of this salad. Use wheat or gluten-free orzo. If you can't find orzo, ditalini or acini di pepe will work well.
- olive: Kalamata olives add a salty flavor. I add a little salt water to the pasta to give it a salty and savory taste.
- vegetable: Finely dice red onion, English cucumber, grape or cherry tomatoes, and orange bell pepper. This vegetable combo adds a rainbow of colors. You can also use yellow or red bell peppers instead.
- feta cheese An orzo salad with a soft texture and salty taste is completed.
- fresh oregano Although it is an optional garnish, it adds freshness. You could also use fresh dill or parsley instead.
How to Make Greek Orzo Salad
This easy orzo salad comes together quickly once you have all the ingredients ready. Here are step by step photos: (See full recipe in recipe card below).
- Cook the orzo: I like to cook the orzo until tender rather than al dente because in cold pasta salads the flavor is muted and the noodles can become hard when cooled.
- Drain and rinse. Soak the orzo in cold water to cool it.
- Orzo Salad Dressing: Combine 6 vinaigrette ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
- Remaining ingredients: Combine the olives, red onion, and salted water in a bowl, then add the pasta and other vegetables.
- How to Serve: Just before serving, mix in feta cheese and garnish with fresh oregano.
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- protein: For added protein, add shrimp or chicken. To keep the Greek Orzo Salad vegetarian, stir in a can of chickpeas.
- olive: Swap Kalamata for Castelvetrano olives.
- cucumber: If you're using regular cucumbers, peel them, scoop out the seeds and dice them.
- Additional Vegetables: Dice the baby spinach.
- vinegar: Substitute with white wine vinegar.
- Pasta Salad Dressing: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard for a little tang.
- Can't eat cheese? Skip the feta.
- Herb: Swap oregano for basil, parsley, or dill.
What to Serve with Orzo Pasta Salad
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- Meal Preparation: Pasta salad is best chilled at least an hour before serving, making it great for meal prep or serving at parties. The flavors will meld and the pasta will absorb the dressing.
- Is it too dry? If it seems dry after refrigerating, sprinkle a little more dressing and eat.
- save: This Mediterranean Orzo Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
More Pasta Salad Recipes You'll Love
Produce: 16 Servings
Serving Size: three /4 cups
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions for al dente, adding 1 minute.
Drain, rinse and drain under cold water.
Meanwhile, combine dressing ingredients in a large bowl. Add the olives, red onion, and olive brine and mix.
Add cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers to the pasta and mix well. Taste for salt and adjust as needed.
Add cheese just before ready to serve.
Last step:
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clothing material: three /4 cups, calorie: 173 calorie, carbohydrate: 24 g, protein: 5 g, province: 6 g, Saturated Fat: One g, cholesterol: 4 mg, salt: 112 mg, fiber: 1.5 g, sugar: 2 g
