How to Make Greek Orzo Salad

Mediterranean diets are considered among the healthiest in the world, with studies showing a nearly 30% reduction in the risk of heart disease. If you’re looking for a vibrant, refreshing, and nutrient-packed dish that fits right into that lifestyle, Greek Orzo Salad is the answer. This classic dish combines tender orzo pasta with fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and zesty dressing for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome. If you’re hosting a summer BBQ, prepping for weekday lunches, or simply craving something light yet filling, this recipe brings Greek flavors straight to your table.

How to Make Greek Orzo Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 6-8 

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• • • 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
    • 1 cup cucumber (diced, skin on for crunch)
    • ½ red onion (finely diced)
    • 1 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
    • 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
    • ½ cup bell peppers (red or yellow, diced)
    • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
    • 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)

For the Dressing:

• • • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • Juice of 1 large lemon (freshly squeezed with a lemon squeezer)
    • 2 cloves garlic (minced using a garlic press)
    • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
    • 1 tsp dried oregano
    • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook for about 8–10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain using a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: While the orzo cooks, dice your cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the onion, and slice the bell peppers. Use a Zulay Kitchen Knife Set for clean, precise cuts.

Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper. A balloon whisk makes blending quick and easy.

Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked orzo, vegetables, olives, and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently with a silicone spatula until well combined.

Step 5: Crumble feta cheese over the salad and give it one last gentle toss.

Step 6: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve cold and enjoy! 

Tips & Twists to Try on Your Greek Orzo Salad

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to turn this salad into a protein-packed main dish. The orzo serves as the perfect base for a hearty meal.
• Toss in roasted chickpeas or toasted pine nuts for a crunchy texture that complements the tender pasta and soft feta.
• While feta is classic, goat cheese or even mozzarella pearls add a new flavor profile to this salad, keeping it fresh and light.
• If you love bold, aromatic flavors, increase the fresh dill and parsley, or add mint for a refreshing kick.
• For added fiber and a nuttier flavor, swap in whole wheat orzo. It boosts nutrition without compromising taste.
• This salad stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Greek Orzo Salad vs. Similar Recipes

Greek Orzo Salad is lighter than creamy pasta salads that are often laden with mayonnaise. Instead, it uses olive oil and lemon juice, offering heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. Compared to traditional potato salads or macaroni salads, Greek Orzo Salad is lower in saturated fats and higher in fiber thanks to the fresh vegetables. The feta cheese provides calcium and protein, while olives deliver healthy monounsaturated fats. Overall, this dish is a smart, Mediterranean-inspired alternative to heavier sides and works just as well as a standalone meal.

Make Your Own Greek Orzo Salad Today

Greek Orzo Salad is a versatile, colorful, and nutritious recipe that brings people together. It’s good when you’re planning for a picnic, a family dinner, or a week of healthy lunches since this dish guarantees freshness in every bite. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Other Kitchen Tools You Need for This Recipe

To make prep even easier, here are a few more Zulay Kitchen tools that come in handy:

• Cutting Board Set – keep your veggies organized and avoid cross-contamination.
• Mixing Bowl Set – perfect for tossing large salads or storing leftovers.
• Salad Spinner – ensures your greens and herbs are washed and dried properly for maximum freshness.

Upgrade your kitchen with these tools from Zulay Kitchen and make every step of meal prep efficient and enjoyable.

 Shop at Zulay Kitchen Now »

Take Your Recipe to the Next Level 

Want to elevate your Greek Orzo Salad from delicious to gourmet? Enhance your recipe with seasonings and salts from Zulay Kitchen’s premium ingredient shop:

• Luxury Gourmet Seasoning and Sea Salt Collection – add a finishing touch of artisanal salts to balance the flavors of the salad.
• Italian and French Countryside Spice Blend Collection – infuse your orzo salad with European-inspired herb blends that pair beautifully with Mediterranean flavors.
• Global Foodie Collection – experiment with international seasonings to give your Greek Orzo Salad a unique twist each time you make it.

These gourmet additions refine the flavors and make your dish stand out for any occasion. Explore more from Zulay Kitchen’s ingredient collection and start creating meals that feel truly elevated.

 Shop Premium Ingredients »

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Orzo Salad

Can I make Greek orzo salad ahead of time?
Yes. Greek orzo salad is a great make-ahead dish. In fact, preparing it in advance can help the flavors meld together more beautifully. If making ahead, cook and cool the orzo completely before mixing with the vegetables and dressing. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. For best results, add fresh herbs and crumbled feta just before serving to preserve their freshness. You may also want to reserve a little dressing to drizzle right before serving to keep the salad vibrant and not overly absorbed.

Is Greek orzo salad served hot or cold?
Greek orzo salad is usually served cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep lunches. Since the salad is pasta-based but loaded with crisp vegetables and a refreshing lemon-olive oil dressing, chilling enhances its refreshing Mediterranean flavors.

How long does Greek orzo salad last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, Greek orzo salad lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator. The orzo may absorb some of the dressing over time, so if you plan to keep it longer, it’s a good idea to store extra dressing separately and mix it in just before serving. 

What goes well with Greek orzo salad?
Greek orzo salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins such as chicken, shrimp, salmon, or lamb. It also complements Mediterranean favorites like falafel, pita bread, and hummus. Since it’s light yet filling, it works well as a side dish for barbecue spreads or as part of a mezze platter. You can also enjoy it as a main dish by adding chickpeas or another plant-based protein. 

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, while orzo is traditional for this recipe, you can easily substitute other small pasta shapes such as ditalini, couscous, or even small shells. These pastas absorb the dressing well and mix nicely with chopped vegetables. If you want a lighter option, quinoa or bulgur wheat makes a great alternative, adding extra nutrition while keeping the dish gluten-free (in the case of quinoa). 

Is Greek orzo salad healthy?
Greek orzo salad is a healthy dish when made with fresh ingredients and a simple olive oil–based dressing. Orzo provides energy from complex carbohydrates, while cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and peppers contribute fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Feta cheese adds calcium and protein, and olive oil is a heart-healthy fat source rich in antioxidants. You can boost nutrition by mixing in chickpeas, spinach, or grilled chicken. Because the dressing is lighter than cream-based options, this salad is a refreshing, balanced choice that can fit easily into a Mediterranean diet.