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Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Colorful Greek orzo pasta salad with tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and olives.

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A vibrant, feed-a-crowd pasta salad that feels like a vacation on a plate. Tender orzo is tossed with crisp vegetables, salty feta, and Kalamata olives in a zesty garlic-herb dressing. It’s an affordable, make-ahead dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a bright weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (16 oz) orzo pasta
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red onion, finely diced
  • 1 large bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1 cup (about 6 oz) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package directions until al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain in a colander and rinse briefly under cool water. Let drain well.
  2. While the orzo cooks, make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, and honey (if using) until fully emulsified. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, diced red onion, diced bell pepper, and halved olives.
  4. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Add the crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and dill. Pour the remaining dressing over the top and fold gently to incorporate.
  6. Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow flavors to meld. For best results, cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo. Rinsing the cooked orzo is essential to prevent clumping. The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. If it seems dry after storing, revive it with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

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