Bring the bright flavors of the Mediterranean to your next cookout with this Greek Orzo Salad. It’s fresh, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for warm-weather gatherings, meal prep, or a simple weeknight side.
Orzo makes a light, rice-like base for pasta salads, and it soaks up dressing beautifully while still keeping a tender texture. This version captures the classic components of a Greek salad—tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, red onion, Kalamata olives and tangy feta—tossed with orzo and a zesty Greek-style dressing.
Because it’s easy to prepare ahead, this salad is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a make-ahead lunch. Below you’ll find everything you need: why this recipe works, ingredient notes, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, FAQs and serving ideas.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Light but satisfying—orzo keeps the salad bright and not too heavy.
- Bold Mediterranean flavors from fresh vegetables, feta and Kalamata olives.
- Simple to make and easy to prepare ahead of time.
- Flexible: you can swap in whole wheat or gluten-free orzo, or substitute another small pasta shape.
Recipe ingredients
- Orzo pasta: Use traditional orzo, or whole wheat/gluten-free if preferred. Small pasta shapes can also be used.
- Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved for quick prep.
- Cucumber: Seeded and chopped for crunch and freshness.
- Bell pepper: Any color—yellow shown here—diced into bite-sized pieces.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced and trimmed to bite-sized pieces for a mild bite.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang.
- Kalamata olives: Coarsely chopped for briny depth; substitute your favorite olives if desired.
- Fresh oregano: Chopped for bright herbal notes; dried oregano can be used in a pinch.
- Dressing: A classic Greek-style vinaigrette or your favorite zesty dressing to taste.
How to make Greek pasta salad with orzo
This salad comes together quickly. Cook orzo, prepare the vegetables and dressing, then toss everything until well coated. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Pro tip: If making ahead, toss the orzo and vegetables with just enough dressing to coat them. The orzo will absorb dressing over time, so reserve extra dressing and add more just before serving if needed.
- Make or use a prepared Greek-style dressing and set aside.
- Cook 1 cup dry orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo with 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, 1 chopped cucumber, 1 chopped bell pepper, 1 cup crumbled feta, 1/2 cup chopped Kalamata olives, 1/2 small thinly sliced red onion and 3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (or 1½ teaspoons dried).
- Toss with enough Greek dressing to coat all ingredients. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, then serve or chill until ready to eat.
Recipe FAQs
What is orzo?
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta made from wheat. It cooks quickly and works well in salads and soups. Whole wheat and gluten-free varieties are widely available.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Small shapes like shells, elbows or pastina are great alternatives if you don’t have orzo.
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely. Roasted or grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or roasted red peppers add great flavor. You can also stir in sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best eaten within that time to preserve texture and flavor.
Serving suggestions
This Greek orzo pasta salad is versatile—serve it as a side or make it a main by adding beans or grilled protein.
- Pair with grilled meats such as chicken souvlaki, chicken breast, steak or burgers.
- Make it a vegetarian main by folding in white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside fresh bread or pita for a Mediterranean-style spread.
Recipe notes
- Make ahead: Toss with a light coating of dressing and refrigerate. Add more dressing before serving if the orzo has absorbed too much.
- Swap orzo for your preferred small pasta; gluten-free options work well.
- Substitute lemon vinaigrette or any favorite dressing if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
More Greek recipes you’ll love
- Avgolemono Soup
- Slow-Roasted Greek Leg of Lamb
- Greek Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Tzatziki
- Classic Greek Tzatziki
Greek Orzo Salad
Servings: 8 • Prep time: 10 mins • Cook time: 10 mins • Total time: 20 mins
This Greek Orzo Salad is fresh, vibrant and full of Mediterranean flavor. It’s an easy summer side that can be made ahead and enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons freshly chopped oregano (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried)
- Greek-style dressing, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, feta, olives, red onion and chopped oregano.
- Toss with Greek dressing until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. If chilled, stir in a little extra dressing before serving if the orzo has thickened.
Notes
- Pro tip: Add dressing sparingly when making ahead; reserve extra to refresh the salad before serving.
- Substitute orzo with your preferred small pasta for dietary needs or texture preference.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
Calories: 195 kcal • Carbohydrates: 28 g • Protein: 7 g • Fat: 6 g • Saturated Fat: 3 g • Sodium: 233 mg • Fiber: 3 g • Sugar: 3 g
This recipe was originally published in February 2013. The text has been updated with clearer instructions and step-by-step photos.