🥗 Greek Orzo Salad (Mediterranean Classic)
A bright, herb-loaded pasta salad inspired by traditional flavors of Greece. This Greek Orzo Salad combines tender orzo, crisp vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta tossed in a lemony extra virgin olive oil dressing. It’s perfect for warm weather meals, meal prep, or as part of a Mediterranean mezze spread.
🌿 Description
Orzo — a rice-shaped pasta popular across the Mediterranean — is tossed with juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. The simple dressing of lemon juice and olive oil ties everything together with freshness and balance.
It’s:
✔ Fresh and vibrant
✔ Heart-healthy
✔ Perfect for gatherings
✔ Ready in about 25 minutes
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Salad:
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1½ cups dry orzo pasta
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup cucumber, diced
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¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
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½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
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½ cup crumbled feta cheese
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
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¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Orzo
Bring salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package directions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
Drain and rinse lightly with cool water to stop cooking. Let drain well.
2️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables
While the orzo cooks, chop tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Assemble
In a large bowl, combine cooled orzo, vegetables, olives, herbs, and feta.
Pour dressing over and toss gently.
5️⃣ Chill & Serve
Refrigerate 30 minutes for best flavor. Garnish with extra herbs before serving.
🍽 Serving Ideas
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Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish
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Add chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost
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Include in a mezze platter with hummus and warm pita
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Pack for picnics or potlucks
🌱 Nutritional Benefits
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Olive oil supports heart health
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Fresh vegetables provide fiber and antioxidants
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Feta cheese adds calcium and protein
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Balanced carbs + healthy fats for steady energy
❓ Q & A
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge.
Q2: How long does it last?
Stored airtight in the fridge, up to 3 days.
Q3: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free orzo or short brown rice pasta.
Q4: What can I use instead of feta?
Try goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free version.
Q5: How do I keep it from drying out?
Add an extra drizzle of olive oil before serving.
