Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Perfect easy & fresh side dish.

This Greek Orzo Pasta Salad combines orzo with finely chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, briny kalamata olives and feta, and fresh dill before being coated in a light, lemony dressing. It’s the perfect fresh side dish.

Pasta Salad Season!

So, so many ways to throw together a pasta salad and this is one I tend to make all year round. It would be a great base for my tzatziki greek chicken bowls that I keep in the dinner rotation at least once a month.

All your classic greek flavors with a lemony vinaigrette, it doesn’t get better (or easier) than this!

Ingredients

Orzo serves as the perfect base for this salad, creating a light and delicate texture that absorbs the dressing really well.

Dressing Ingredients

• olive oil
• lemon juice
• red wine vinegar
• dijon mustard
• kosher salt – I use Diamond Crystal in all my recipes
• black pepper
• honey
• lemon zest

Salad Ingredients

• orzo
• small cucumbers – they hold up in salads better than an english cucumber
• cherry tomatoes
• kalamata olives
• crumbled feta – you can buy already crumbled or crumble the block
• fresh dill – the star of the show, it brings great flavor

How to Make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

• Cook the Orzo: Cook the orzo until tender according to package directions. Let cool.
• Prepare the Veggies: Dice the cucumbers, halve the tomatoes and olives, crumble the feta, and chop the fresh dill.
• Make the Dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, honey, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
• Combine: Combine the cooled orzo with the dressing, then fold in the vegetables, feta, and dill.
• Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Finish with extra dill and lemon zest just before serving.

What to Serve with Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

All your summer favorites and Greek favorites too! Some of my favorites:

• Chicken Milanese
• grilled chicken
• greek tzatziki bowls
• roasted fish
• cod oreganata
• burgers and hot dogs

Bring it to your next get together or cookout, everyone will love it! It brings a bit of freshness to typically heavy party spreads. Or try this Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad for something even lighter!

How to Make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Ahead of Time

This Greek Orzo Pasta Salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Reserve half of the dressing to combine with the salad about 30 minutes before serving.

Keep in mind that cherry tomatoes and cucumbers release moisture. I do not recommend more than 24 hours. You could also chop all of your ingredients, cook the pasta, and keep everything separate until the day of serving for best quality.

For the freshest presentation, reserve a little extra dill and lemon zest for garnishing just before serving.

Watch Me Make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Equipment I Use to Make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

• Yellow Splatter Serving Bowl – I love these light bowls for just about anything
• Microplane – great for lemon zest!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another pasta shape?

Yes. Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well, but orzo gives the salad its signature texture.

Can I add protein?

Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp would work well.

Can I use regular cucumbers?

You can, but smaller cucumbers are preferred because they hold up better in salads and release less moisture.

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