Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

ByKimberly November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

If you are looking for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying dish that combines Mediterranean flavors with quick prep, this Greek Orzo Salad Recipe will become your new go-to. Bursting with tangy feta, briny Kalamata olives, crisp cucumber, and bright lemon dressing, this salad is as colorful as it is delicious. Whether you need a light lunch, a side for your dinner, or something to impress at your next picnic, this Greek Orzo Salad Recipe offers the perfect balance of textures, tastes, and simplicity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this Greek Orzo Salad Recipe truly shine. Each component lends its own unique punch, creating a symphony of fresh flavors and textures that make this salad so addictive.

Orzo pasta: The star grain providing a tender, rice-like base that absorbs all the flavors.
Kalamata olives: Adds a salty, slightly fruity depth that complements the freshwater veggies.
Feta cheese: Crumbled for a creamy, tangy bite that ties the salad together beautifully.
Cucumber: Provides a cool, crisp crunch, refreshing every forkful.
Red onion: Finely chopped to give a mild but sharp aroma and a touch of color.
Olive oil: The high-quality extra virgin kind is best for a luscious, heart-healthy dressing.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the salad with zesty acidity.
Dried oregano: Brings a fragrant, earthy herbaceous note typical of Greek cuisine.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance and balance all the ingredients perfectly.

How to Make Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Orzo

Start by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until it’s tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and rinse it under cold water. This cools it down quickly, stops the cooking process, and gives the salad a refreshing chilled texture.

Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the cooled orzo with pitted and sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion. This step creates the base of your Greek Orzo Salad Recipe and starts to bring together all those contrasting flavors.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing ensures every bite of orzo and veggies is coated with a bright, tangy, and herbal coating that elevates the salad to new heights.

Step 4: Toss and Combine

Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture, then gently toss everything to combine. Be sure to coat all the ingredients evenly so that each forkful delivers balanced flavor and a variety of textures.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

You can serve this Greek Orzo Salad Recipe immediately at room temperature or pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld beautifully. Either way, it’s a palate-pleaser guaranteed to impress.

How to Serve Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness and visual appeal, consider topping your salad with chopped fresh parsley or mint. A sprinkle of additional crumbled feta or a few whole Kalamata olives can make a lovely finishing touch that invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

This Greek Orzo Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, lamb skewers, or seafood like shrimp or salmon. It also complements a hearty piece of crusty bread or pita for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this at a gathering, try layering the salad in clear glass jars for a beautiful, portable presentation. Alternatively, spoon it onto individual lettuce leaves for a fresh and fun appetizer or picnic dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Greek Orzo Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually become even more harmonious after sitting, making it a fantastic make-ahead option.

Freezing

Because the salad contains fresh vegetables and feta, freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to come to room temperature by leaving it out for 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo offers a perfect rice-like texture, small pasta shapes like couscous, tiny shells, or even quinoa can provide a similar bite and work well in this salad.

How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

It stays fresh for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Can I make this Greek Orzo Salad Recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based feta alternative to keep all the delicious flavors intact without dairy.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. It’s perfect for meal prep since it holds well when refrigerated and tastes great cold or at room temperature, making lunches easy and delicious.

Can I add other vegetables or proteins to this salad?

Feel free to customize! Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or fresh herbs like dill can add more brightness. Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp can transform it into a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Orzo Salad Recipe is an absolute joy to make and eat. With its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and balanced flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for quick meals, gatherings, or when you crave something wholesome yet simple. Give it a try and watch it earn a special place on your recipe roster!

Kimberly