Zesty Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe That Tastes Like Sunshine

Mediterranean summers whisper tales of a delightful Greek orzo pasta salad that dances with vibrant colors and fresh ingredients.

Crisp vegetables mingle with tender pasta, creating a symphony of flavors.

Crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy punch to this classic dish.

Sun-ripened tomatoes and cool cucumbers bring a refreshing crunch that delights the senses.

Zesty herbs weave through each bite, transporting you to a coastal Greek village.

Olive oil drizzles gently, binding the ingredients into a harmonious blend.

You’ll want to savor every forkful of this irresistible summer feast.

Why Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Is a Mediterranean Delight

• Craft Mediterranean Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a stunning salad bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors that transport you straight to Greece.
• Quick and Simple Prep: Boil pasta, chop vegetables, mix dressing – no complicated techniques required, making this recipe perfect for beginner cooks or busy weeknight dinners.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Serve as a side dish, light lunch, or potluck contribution that appeals to vegetarians and health-conscious eaters with its vibrant, nutritious ingredients.
• No-Fuss Make-Ahead Option: Prepare in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together, making meal planning and entertaining incredibly convenient.

Ingredients That Bring Freshness and Flavor Together

• Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that serves as the base of this Mediterranean-style salad.
• Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy tomatoes that add bright color and tangy flavor to the dish.
• Cucumber: Crisp vegetable that provides a cool and refreshing crunch to the salad.

• Feta Cheese: A classic Greek cheese that brings a creamy and salty element to the salad.
• Olives: Briny and rich Mediterranean olives that contribute a distinctive Mediterranean flavor profile.

• Red Onion, Parsley: Sharp onion and fresh parsley that enhance the overall taste and provide a vibrant green accent.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and pungent flavor to the dressing.

• Olive Oil, Vinegar: Smooth olive oil and tangy vinegar that create a light and zesty dressing base.
• Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Traditional Greek herbs and seasonings that balance and elevate the salad's flavor.

How to Toss a Perfect Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Orzo Perfectly

Cook orzo in a pot of salted water following package instructions. Once tender, drain the pasta and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Ingredients

Prepare your vibrant vegetables by dicing ripe tomatoes into bite-sized chunks, slicing crisp cucumber, finely chopping red onion, roughly cutting kalamata olives, and roughly chopping fresh parsley.

Step 3: Create Zesty Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Minced fresh garlic
• Dried oregano
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, aromatic dressing.

Step 4: Combine Salad Components

• Chopped tomatoes
• Cucumber pieces
• Red onion
• Olives
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Chopped parsley

Step 5: Dress and Chill

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss everything together until ingredients are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and intensify before serving.

Tips for Balancing Herbs, Feta, and Vegetables

• Rinse orzo thoroughly to stop cooking and prevent clumping, ensuring a perfect texture for your salad.
• Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumber for maximum flavor and crunch in this Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a complete meal for more versatility.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but add fresh herbs right before serving to maintain vibrant taste and appearance.
• Choose high-quality feta cheese and extra virgin olive oil to elevate the overall taste and authenticity of the Greek salad.

Flavor Ideas to Make Your Pasta Salad Unique

• Mediterranean Protein Boost: Replace feta with grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein, creating a heartier version of the classic salad.
• Vegan Mediterranean Mix: Swap feta with plant-based cheese alternative, use vegan vinaigrette, and add extra herbs for rich, creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Veggie Version: Substitute orzo with quinoa or rice, maintaining the fresh Mediterranean flavors while accommodating gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Greek Fusion: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, and a touch of harissa paste to give the salad a zesty, warm kick that elevates the traditional recipe.

Pairing Suggestions for a Light and Healthy Meal

• Mediterranean Picnic Delight: Pack this colorful salad in mason jars for a stunning portable lunch that's perfect for outdoor adventures and office meals.
• Summer BBQ Sidekick: Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish as a refreshing accompaniment that adds vibrant flavor and nutrition to your main course.
• Wellness Bowl Transformation: Enhance the salad by adding grilled shrimp or rotisserie chicken for a protein-packed meal that's both satisfying and light, ideal for health-conscious eaters.
• Greek-Inspired Appetizer: Scoop the salad into small cucumber boats or serve on crisp endive leaves as an elegant starter that showcases Mediterranean flavors and looks stunning on a party platter.

Tips on Keeping Your Salad Crisp and Fresh

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Keep the salad cold to prevent bacterial growth and preserve the crisp texture of vegetables.
• Drain excess liquid before storing to prevent soggy pasta and maintain salad's original consistency.
• Avoid freezing this salad as cucumber and tomatoes will become mushy and lose their texture.

FAQs

• Is orzo a type of rice or pasta?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta made from wheat flour, often used in Mediterranean and Greek cuisine.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. The flavors actually improve as they meld together in the refrigerator.

• What if I don't like raw red onion?

You can reduce the amount of red onion, finely mince it, or briefly soak it in cold water to make it less sharp and intense.

• Is this salad vegetarian?

Yes, this Greek orzo pasta salad is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese.

Refreshing Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Greek orzo pasta salad brings Mediterranean flavors to your summer table. Fresh ingredients and zesty dressing create a refreshing dish you’ll crave at picnics and potlucks.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Produce and Herbs:

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Olive and Briny Components:

• 1/3 cup kalamata olives, sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare orzo in boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes at medium-high heat. Immediately cool pasta under cold running water to halt cooking process and prevent clumping.
2. Dice fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure balanced flavor distribution throughout the salad.
3. Slice kalamata olives and crumble feta cheese into small, consistent fragments that will integrate seamlessly with vegetable mixture.
4. Create zesty vinaigrette by vigorously whisking extra virgin olive oil with red wine vinegar, minced fresh garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified and well-combined.
5. Gently fold dressing into pasta and vegetable mixture, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated and flavors are evenly distributed.
6. Refrigerate salad for minimum 30 minutes to allow ingredients to marinate and develop complex Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
7. Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for bright color and additional herbal notes, then toss lightly to refresh presentation.

Notes

• Rinse orzo thoroughly to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumber for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Customize the salad by adding protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
• Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to enhance the Mediterranean flavors and allow ingredients to meld together.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg