Bring the taste of the Mediterranean to your next barbecue with this Greek Orzo Salad!  It’s bursting with flavor, it’s so easy to make, and it gets rave reviews every single time!

greek orzo pasta salad in a white bowl with spoon buried into the side

**This recipe was originally published in February 2013.  The text is more informative, and I’ve included step by step instructions and photos. 

It’s officially pasta salad season!  My Italian pasta salad and succotash pasta salad are recipes that I love to prepare for summer gatherings, but this Greek Orzo Salad is a family favorite! 

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and my nieces have told me that I have to bring it to every family gathering.

They’re never going to get any arguments from me. 🙂

overhead shot of greek orzo salad in a bowl with a spoon, lemon slices and oregano

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • This recipe is lighter than most pasta salads, and it’s packed with fresh, zesty Greek flavors.  
  • The salad is extremely easy to make, and it may be prepped a few hours in advance.
  • It’s a great side dish for chicken, beef or pork, and also makes a great vegetarian lunch.
  • Orzo may be subbed for whole wheat or gluten-free orzo, or your favorite type of pasta.

Recipe ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Orzo pasta
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Bell pepper
  • Feta cheese
  • Kalamata olives
  • Red onion
  • Fresh oregano (or dried in a pinch)
  • Greek salad dressing (or store bought)

What is orzo?

Orzo is short-cut pasta that resembles rice.  It is made with either white or whole wheat flour, and there are even gluten-free varieties on the market.

If you love orzo, be sure to check out this Summer Vegetable Orzo Pasta Salad as well!

How to make this recipe

This Greek orzo pasta salad is extremely easy to make, and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Cook the orzo pasta and prep your ingredients

Greek orzo salad ingredients collage
  • Cook the orzo according to package instructions, then place in a colander and rinse with cold water.  Drain well.
  • Chop the vegetables and make the dressing while the orzo cooks and drains.  The dressing may be made ahead a few days in advance.

Assemble the salad

Greek orzo salad before and after tossing
  • Place the orzo pasta in a large bowl.  
  • Add the remaining ingredients, and toss with the desired amount of dressing until well coated.

Recipe notes

  • Roasted bell peppers work well in this pasta salad!
  • The pasta salad may be made a few hours in advance, but the orzo will absorb the dressing. Simply toss with 1/3 cup or so of dressing, and add more just before serving.
  • Orzo may be substituted with your favorite gluten-free or regular pasta.
  • The homemade Greek dressing may be substituted with store bought.
front shot of greek orzo salad in a serving bowl with lemon slices and oregano garnishes

More Greek recipes you’ll love:

If you make this recipe I’d love to hear from you!  Leave a comment and rating below, or tag me @flavorthemoments on Instagram!

greek orzo salad in a white bowl with spoon buried into the side

Greek Orzo Salad

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Additional Time: 0 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Greek Orzo Salad is perfect for your next barbecue or gathering! It's bursting with fresh, zesty flavor, it's so easy to make, and it gets rave reviews every single time!
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons freshly chopped oregano or 2 teaspoons dried
  • [Greek Salad Dressing]

Instructions 

  • Cook the orzo according to package directions. Place in a colander and rinse under cold water and drain well.
  • Place the orzo in a large bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, feta cheese, kalamata olives, red onion and chopped oregano, then toss with the desired amount of Greek dressing until well coated.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Roasted bell peppers work well in this pasta salad!
  • Dressing may be made up to a few days in advance.
  • The pasta salad may be made a few hours in advance, but the orzo will absorb the dressing. Simply toss with 1/3 cup or so of dressing, and add more just before serving.
  • Orzo may be substituted with your favorite gluten-free or regular pasta.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 195kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 17mg, Sodium: 233mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 3g

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: Greek
Author: Marcie
Keyword: Greek orzo pasta salad, greek orzo salad
All recipes and images © Flavor the Moments.
Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

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