This easy Greek orzo salad recipe is SO delicious! This super quick and easy make ahead recipe is loaded with orzo pasta, a tangy homemade greek salad dressing, crumbly feta, fresh, crunchy, summer veggies, and more!
If you’re a greek salad lover, you’ll also love: mediterranean farro salad, mediterranean chickpea egg salad, and chopped chickpea greek salad.
It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with pasta salads. They’re just my favorite summer recipes! Cold carb-y noodles, fresh crunchy mix ins, usually some type of cheese, and often a tangy dressing . . . what’s not to love?
All that to say, today’s recipe *MIGHT* just be the best of the best. Today we’re makin’ Greek orzo salad . . . and h.o.l.y. yum it’s good.
Before we get into to much detail, let’s address the elephant in the room.
What is orzo? is it a pasta or a rice?
Orzo looks like rice, but it’s actually a pasta! It’s kind of slippery in texture, which sounds weird, but I promise you, is freaking amazing.
Phew. Now that we’re on the same page. Let’s make some greek orzo salad!
Greek orzo salad ingredients:
- Orzo (see tips below for substitution suggestions)
- Veggies: red onion, bell peppers, cucumber
- Olives
- Feta
- Chickpeas
- Homemade greek salad dressing
- Lemon juice
- Salt
How to make orzo salad:
- Cook your orzo according to package directions.
- Chop your veggies.
- Throw pasta, veggies, and remaining ingredients: olives, feta, chickpeas, dressing, and lemon juice into a large bowl.
- Stir to combine.
- Taste and re-season if necessary.
- Serve immediately or store, covered, in the fridge until ready to use!
Can i make this orzo pasta salad in advance? how long does orzo salad last in the fridge?
You can absolutely make this ahead of time. I’d say this would be fine, covered in the fridge, for up to a week!
Tips for the best orzo salad
- How do you keep orzo from sticking together? If your orzo is done way before you’re ready to assemble, drain it, rinse it, and toss it in a little bit of oil. Stir every couple of minutes to keep the noodles from sticking together.
- Can I use a different kind of pasta? Sure! Any short noodle (think macaroni, rotini, bow tie, penne) should work just fine. Although, I think orzo is best. 🙂
- Can I use a store bought dressing instead of your homemade greek dressing? Of course! Although for the best flavor, I’d recommend homemade. It’s super quick and easy. Promise.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Yep! Just omit the feta (and use agave instead of honey in the homemade dressing).
- Can I make this recipe gluten free? I’m not sure! If you’ve had success with gluten free pastas before, go for it!
- I hate olives! Do I have to use them? No. But they’re highly recommended. They add an amazing briny, salty flavor that you just can’t beat!
- Do I need chickpeas? You can definitely omit if you want. You could also add or replace with chicken!
More easy pasta salad recipes you’ll love:
- Italian Pasta Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Veggie Lover’s Pasta Salad (Gimme Some Oven)
Smooth, tender orzo, crunchy peppers, fresh, juicy cucumbers, salty, creamy feta, and a tangy homemade dressing.
After one bite, you’ll see why this greek orzo pasta salad just went to the top of my pasta salad list. 😉
– Jennifer
Greek Orzo Salad
Equipment for this recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo cooked according to package directions and cooled slightly
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 1 red pepper diced
- 1 green pepper diced
- 1/2 cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta omit if vegan or dairy free
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas drained
- 1 batch greek salad dressing makes about 1 cup
- 1 lemon juiced (about 2 - 3 tablespoon + more to taste, if desired
- salt to taste (I did 1/2 - 1 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Place orzo, red onion, peppers, cucumber, olives, feta, chickpeas, and greek salad dressing into a large bowl.
- Toss to combine.
- Taste and season with lemon juice and salt, as needed.
- Serve immediately or store, covered, in the fridge for up to a week!
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Nutrition Information
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
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