Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

This Greek orzo pasta salad is the ultimate summer recipe that uses just a handful of ingredients. We love this salad since it’s great made in advance (in fact it’s better, since it gives the flavors time to marinate together!). It’s the first side dish gone at backyard barbecues, block parties, and picnics because of it’s delicious, vibrant flavor.

If you can boil pasta, you can make this gourmet salad with ease. Based on our experience, we’ve also found it’s the ideal recipe for beginner cooks or kids to help out with. If you love a pasta salad, be sure to try our caprese pasta salad as well as our jalapeno popper pasta salad.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This summer orzo salad is sure to become a staple in your meal prep lineup! It’s the type of salad that lasts for a few days in the fridge, making it ideal for busy weeks.

Unlike traditional pasta salads that are loaded with mayonnaise, this recipe for orzo salad features fresh veggies and a vibrant vinaigrette dressing. Quick and easy to make, it’s the most requested summer side dish by our friends and family.

Fresh, nutritious ingredients – All of the Greek ingredients are easy to find at the store. This pasta salad is also bursting with fiber, nutrients, and healthy fats.
20 minute preparation time – Forget feeling too busy to make a simple dinner or bring a dish to a party, this orzo salad is the solution to your worries. It takes only 20 minutes to prepare and is super simple, the only thing you have to cook is the orzo!
Meal prep-friendly – Prepare a big batch, and store it in the fridge. It will taste even better the next day. We even like to add easy proteins like shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover steak.

Tip for Busy Cooks: Did you know the best way to dress the orzo pasta with the vinaigrette is when it’s still warm? This allows the pasta to absorb all of the flavors of the vinaigrette making it even richer in flavor.

A bowl of Greek orzo salad with chickpeas, olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Key Ingredient Notes

For the Dressing

Extra virgin olive oil – This combines all the ingredients and forms the base of the dressing.
Garlic – For the best flavor, use a whole garlic clove and mince it finely.
Lemon – We’re using fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to add a light, citrusy flavor that brightens the dressing.
Seasonings – Dried oregano and sea salt add a touch of savory herbaceous flavor for a well-rounded taste.

For the Greek Orzo Salad

Orzo pasta – This is a type of small pasta that looks like rice! If you can’t find orzo, any small pasta will work.
Veggies – Persian cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion add lots of crunchy texture, refreshing flavor, and nutrients to keep you full.
Chickpeas – Also known as garbanzo beans, these add a slightly creamy consistency, fiber, and plant-based protein. Learn more about the benefits of chickpeas in our Beans 101 post!
Feta cheese – The sharp, salty flavor pairs nicely with the savory, citrusy dressing, and the creamy consistency creates a satisfying mouthfeel.
Kalamata olives – I love the briny flavor these add! However, I know olives aren’t always popular. So, if you’re not a fan you can leave them out.
Fresh basil – Adds bright, refreshing notes with a subtle sweetness.

Ingredients to make a Greek orzo salad recipe. They include olive oil, feta, dried oregano, garlic, basil, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, shallot, lemon, kalamata olives, orzo, and chickpeas.

How to make this Greek orzo pasta salad

Combine all the ingredients for the dressing in a 1-cup measuring cup, whisking until smooth.
Cook the orzo pasta just to al dente according to the package directions.
Combine the warm orzo and dressing in a large bowl, gently tossing to coat the pasta.

Orzo salad dressing ingredients in a jar and cooked orzo pasta in a bowl.

While the pasta cooks, slice the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, olive, and basil into bite-sized pieces.
Add all the remaining ingredients, and toss to combine. Easy peasy!

A glass bowl of cooked orzo, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, feta, chickpeas, and herbs.

Expert Tips

Dress the orzo while it’s warm. It’s okay if the orzo is still a little warm when adding it to the bowl. This can actually help the dressing stick. However, you don’t want it to be piping hot. Otherwise, your orzo pasta salad recipe might become soggy, which we definitely don’t want!
Make it ahead of time. You can prepare this recipe a day ahead of time, and store it covered in the fridge. Just give it a good toss before serving! This is why we love to use this recipe for entertaining.
Add some protein! Transform this Greek orzo pasta salad from a side dish to a main course by adding protein like grilled chicken, tuna, or shrimp.
Customize the salad with other mix-ins. Feel free to customize this orzo salad recipe with mix-ins like fresh mint, bell pepper, spinach, arugula, or green onion.
Chill prior to serving. Allow the pasta salad to chill in the fridge for an hour before serving to allow all the ingredients to blend together. We prefer this salad served slightly chilled or room temperature.

What to serve with summer orzo salad

This Greek orzo salad is delicious served with a rich, decadent protein. Some of our favorite options include:

Storing Tips

Store this Greek orzo pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb some of the liquid. If you are serving it a day or two later, we recommend making a little bit of extra dressing to toss it again fresh. Or just add a drizzle of olive oil.
We do not recommend freezing this recipe, the orzo and veggies will become mushy!

A small bowl of orzo salad with a fork sticking out.

FAQs

Does orzo taste like pasta?

Yes, like other pasta varieties, orzo has a mild flavor that takes on the taste of whatever sauce or dressing it is paired with.

Is orzo healthier than pasta?

This is a common question because orzo is often compared to rice. However, given that it is a type of pasta, the nutritional information is the same as any semolina-based pasta.

Can I use another pasta besides orzo?

Yes, we love a small pasta shape here. Penne or bowties are also delicious in this recipe.