Easy Greek Orzo Salad Recipe
Looking for a tasty Mediterranean meal that’s quick? This Greek Orzo Salad is packed with flavor and ready in 20 minutes. It’s great for those following a Mediterranean diet, turning simple ingredients into a beautiful dish.
Need something fresh for a summer party or a quick dinner? Our Greek Orzo Salad is the answer. It mixes colorful veggies, tangy feta, and soft pasta for a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. It shows that eating well doesn’t have to be hard.
Busy professionals and home cooks alike will love this salad. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. It’s the perfect choice for a healthy meal that fits your busy schedule.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Orzo Salad
Discover the ultimate Summer Salads solution that makes meal prep fun. This Greek Orzo Salad is a game-changer for anyone looking for delicious Vegetarian Dishes. It’s both nutritious and easy to make.
The magic of this recipe is its incredible versatility. It’s one of the most easy side dishes you’ll ever find. It promises to become a staple in your cooking.
Quick and Simple Preparation
Busy home cooks will love how quickly this salad comes together. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can make a restaurant-worthy dish in under 20 minutes. No complex techniques or expensive equipment needed!
- Ready in less than 30 minutes
- Minimal kitchen skills needed
- Perfect for meal prep
Packed with Flavorful Ingredients
Each bite bursts with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing combine for a memorable taste experience. The combination of tangy feta, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs makes this salad irresistible.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, preparing a quick lunch, or need a crowd-pleasing side dish, this Greek Orzo Salad fits the bill. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it a versatile choice for virtually any gathering.
- Picnic-friendly
- Great for potlucks
- Ideal for meal prepping
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Salad
Making the perfect Orzo Pasta Salad begins with picking the right ingredients. This Greek-inspired dish combines fresh flavors and simple parts. It turns your meal into a delightful experience. Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this cucumber and feta cheese salad so tempting.
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
The base of any great Cucumbers Salads is crisp, vibrant produce. Your list should include:
- English cucumbers (seedless and extra crisp)
- Ripe cherry tomatoes
- Red onion (thinly sliced)
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh dill
Orzo Pasta Options
Choosing the right orzo is key for your pasta salad. Opt for high-quality, bronze-cut orzo for the best texture. Most stores have traditional wheat orzo. But, gluten-free options from rice or corn are also available for those with dietary needs.
Dressing Essentials
The dressing makes your Feta Cheese Salads truly special. Key ingredients are:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- Dried oregano
- Crumbled feta cheese
Mixing these creates a zesty Mediterranean-style dressing. It perfectly matches the orzo and fresh veggies.
Recipe card
Equipment:
✔ Large pot
✔ Strainer
✔ Mixing bowl
✔ Whisk
✔ Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients:
- Orzo pasta – 1 ½ cups, uncooked
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- Cucumber – 1, diced
- Red onion – ½ small, finely chopped
- Kalamata olives – ½ cup, sliced
- Feta cheese – ¾ cup, crumbled
- Fresh parsley – ¼ cup, chopped
Dressing:
- Olive oil – ¼ cup
- Lemon juice – 2 tbsp (freshly squeezed)
- Red wine vinegar – 1 tbsp
- Garlic – 1 clove, minced
- Dried oregano – 1 tsp
- Salt & black pepper – to taste
Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook orzo – Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water.
2️⃣ Prepare veggies – While orzo cools, chop tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley.
3️⃣ Make dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Combine salad – In a large bowl, toss cooled orzo with veggies, feta cheese, and dressing. Mix well.
5️⃣ Serve & enjoy! Garnish with extra feta and parsley if desired.
Make ahead: Refrigerate for 1 hour for even better flavor!
How to Make Your Greek Orzo Salad
Making this Greek Orzo Salad is simple. Just a few steps and you’ll have a side dish that impresses everyone. The secret is using fresh ingredients and the right olive oil dressings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, cook orzo pasta in boiling salted water until it’s al dente. Then, drain and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking.
In a big bowl, mix the cooled orzo with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs like parsley and mint.
Tips for Serving and Storing
For the best taste, make the salad at least 30 minutes before you serve it. This lets the flavors mix well. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container.
Before serving, stir the salad and add a bit of fresh olive oil dressing. It makes the flavors pop.
Variations to Try
Don’t be afraid to try new things with your Greek Orzo Salad. Add grilled chicken for protein or use goat cheese instead of feta. Kalamata olives can add a rich Mediterranean taste.
This recipe is all about being flexible. You can make it your own by changing up the ingredients.
