Please refer to the recipe card below for precise ingredient quantities and detailed instructions.

• Orzo Pasta: The star of our salad! I specifically chose orzo pasta because its small, rice-like shape is perfect for salads. It blends beautifully with the other ingredients, allowing their individual flavors and textures to shine without overpowering them. It also absorbs the dressing wonderfully, becoming infused with all the delicious Greek notes. Consider using whole wheat orzo for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
• Fresh Vegetables: This orzo salad is packed with a delightful variety of crisp vegetables. We use sweet cherry tomatoes, which burst with flavor; refreshing English cucumbers, known for their minimal seeds and crisp texture; thinly sliced red onion for a touch of pungent bite and vibrant color; and briny Kalamata olives, which are a cornerstone of Greek cuisine, adding a distinct savory depth. Ensure all vegetables are fresh for the best taste and texture.
• Feta Cheese: No Greek salad is complete without feta! I highly recommend seeking out a block of good quality feta cheese and crumbling it yourself. This will provide a far superior creamy texture and more authentic salty, tangy flavor compared to pre-crumbled varieties. The creamy bits of feta throughout the salad are simply divine.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs are crucial for elevating the flavor profile and adding an aromatic finish to this salad. I’ve included fresh parsley for its bright, clean notes and fresh dill, which imparts a distinctive, slightly anisy, refreshing taste that is characteristic of Greek cooking. Don’t skimp on these – they make a significant difference!
• Zesty Greek Dressing: The dressing ties all the elements together. It’s a classic Greek style, featuring a good quality extra virgin olive oil for richness and a healthy fat base, fresh lemon juice for brightness and acidity, red wine vinegar for a sharp tang, a touch of honey to balance the acidity, minced garlic for aromatic depth, and dried oregano for that unmistakable Mediterranean herb flavor. Whisking these together creates a perfectly balanced dressing.

Creative Recipe Modifications & Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is how adaptable it is! Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas for modifications:

• Boost the Protein: To transform this side dish into a more substantial main course, consider adding cooked chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian option. Grilled chicken, roasted shrimp, or even crumbled lamb would also be delicious additions, infusing the salad with extra heartiness and a satisfying protein boost.
• Alternative Cheeses: While feta is undeniably classic, other cheeses can offer intriguing flavor profiles. Try creamy goat cheese for a slightly tangier note, or opt for grilled halloumi for a squeaky, salty texture. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative.
• Vary Your Vegetables: This salad welcomes a wide array of vegetables. Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) add sweetness and crunch. Thinly sliced zucchini, finely chopped carrots, or celery can also be incorporated. For a deeper flavor, consider adding roasted red peppers or marinated artichoke hearts.
• Expand Your Herbs: Fresh dill is key for its unique flavor, but basil adds a sweet, peppery note, and fresh mint provides a wonderfully cooling and aromatic touch. Don’t hesitate to experiment with a combination of these fresh herbs.
• Add a Nutty Crunch: Toasted pine nuts are a traditional Mediterranean addition, offering a buttery crunch. Sliced almonds or chopped walnuts can also provide a delightful textural contrast and healthy fats.
• Swap the Grain: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option or simply want to try something new, swap the orzo for quinoa for a protein-packed alternative, or fluffy couscous for a similar texture with a slightly different mouthfeel.
• Spice It Up: Enhance the flavor with a dash of Greek seasoning blend for an extra authentic taste. For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick. Smoked paprika can also introduce a delightful smoky depth.
• Exciting Extras: Elevate your salad with even more Mediterranean goodness! Incorporate homemade pickled red onions for an extra tangy bite, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for concentrated umami, or a mix of green and black olives for varied brininess. Sliced banana peppers or pepperoncinis can also introduce a pleasant tartness and mild heat.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Greek Orzo Salad

Creating this delightful Greek Orzo Salad is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these simple steps to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table:

Step 1. Cook the Orzo to Perfection: Begin by cooking your orzo pasta according to the package directions. The key here is to cook it just until it’s “al dente” – firm to the bite – to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad. Once cooked, immediately drain the orzo and rinse it thoroughly with cold water. This crucial step stops the cooking process, cools the pasta quickly, and prevents it from sticking together, ensuring a perfect texture for your salad. Set the cooled orzo aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2. Mix Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo with the fresh, vibrant ingredients. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny Kalamata olives, creamy crumbled feta cheese, and finely chopped red onion. Gently toss these ingredients together to distribute them evenly, creating a colorful and inviting base for your salad. Then, stir in the fresh parsley and dill, which will infuse the salad with their aromatic flavors.

Step 3. Prepare the Zesty Greek Dressing: In a separate small bowl or a mason jar (which works great for shaking!), whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is slightly emulsified. The honey will help balance the acidity and create a smooth texture.

Step 4. Dress and Chill the Salad: Pour about half of the prepared dressing over the orzo salad mixture. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are lightly coated. This initial dressing allows the flavors to begin melding without oversaturating the salad immediately. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1 hour, to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld. The chilling time is crucial for a refreshing taste experience.

Step 5. Taste, Adjust, and Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good stir. Taste a spoonful and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is your chance to add more salt, pepper, or a bit more of the Greek dressing if you prefer a wetter salad. I often find that a fresh squeeze of lemon juice at this stage brightens everything up! Give the salad a final toss and garnish with additional fresh parsley and dill for an appealing presentation and an extra burst of freshness. Serve chilled alongside your favorite meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Ingredients 

Instructions 

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.