Best Orzo Pasta Salad

This refreshing Mediterranean-inspired orzo pasta salad combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a simple herb dressing for a perfect side dish or light meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This orzo pasta salad is a versatile crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The combination of fresh vegetables, salty feta, and tender orzo creates a balanced dish with delightful textures and flavors. It’s also make-ahead friendly, tasting even better after the flavors have had time to meld in the refrigerator. Whether you’re planning a picnic, need a potluck contribution, or simply want a nutritious lunch option, this Mediterranean-inspired salad delivers consistently delicious results.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Orzo pasta is the foundation of this salad, providing a unique rice-shaped texture that absorbs flavors beautifully while maintaining its pleasant chewiness. It cooks quickly and offers a more delicate bite than larger pasta shapes.

Cucumber adds refreshing crunch and a cool, hydrating quality to the salad. Leave the skin on for extra fiber and color, or peel if you prefer a more tender bite.

Red bell pepper contributes sweet crispness and vibrant color. Its slightly fruity flavor pairs wonderfully with the Mediterranean ingredients, and it maintains its satisfying crunch even after being refrigerated.

Cherry tomatoes bring juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity. They hold their shape well in salads and provide beautiful color contrast. If unavailable, grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes work as substitutes.

Red onion delivers a sharp, pungent flavor that balances the milder ingredients. Soaking the chopped onion in cold water for 5-10 minutes before adding can reduce its intensity if desired.

Black olives contribute briny, savory notes that are characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine. Kalamata olives make an excellent substitute if you prefer a more robust olive flavor.

Feta cheese adds creamy, tangy richness and a salty punch that ties all the flavors together. Traditional Greek feta offers the most authentic flavor, but any type will work nicely.

Olive oil forms the base of the dressing, bringing fruity notes and helping to coat the ingredients evenly. Extra virgin olive oil provides the most flavor.

Dried oregano infuses the dressing with classic herbaceous notes. Fresh oregano can be substituted at a ratio of 3:1 (three times more fresh than dried) for even more aromatic flavor.

Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing all the other flavors. Sea salt or kosher salt works best, and freshly ground black pepper offers superior flavor to pre-ground.

Directions

1. Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the orzo with cucumber, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil,  vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family side dish or light lunch option. It requires minimal effort, with just 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, totaling 20 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 280 calories, offering a satisfying portion while remaining light and nutritious.

Variations

Greek-Inspired: Add diced cucumber and replace black olives with kalamata olives. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.

Italian Twist: Stir in 1/4 cup diced salami, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and swap feta for small mozzarella pearls. Use balsamic vinegar .

Protein-Packed: Add 1 cup of cooked, diced chicken breast or 1 can of drained chickpeas for a heartier meal option.

Garden Fresh: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like blanched asparagus, fresh corn kernels, or diced zucchini for additional color and nutrition.

Herb Lovers: Enhance the flavor profile with 2 tablespoons each of chopped fresh parsley, mint, and basil for a brighter, more aromatic salad.

Storage/Reheating

This orzo pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a few hours of chilling, making it an excellent make-ahead option.

Before serving refrigerated salad, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to take the chill off and revive the flavors. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so consider reserving a small portion of the dressing to refresh the salad just before serving if making it in advance.

This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not necessary or recommended. If you prefer a less chilled temperature, simply let it stand at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this orzo pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. If making far ahead, consider adding the feta cheese just before serving for the best texture.

What can I substitute for orzo if I can’t find it?

If orzo isn’t available, you can substitute small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even pearl couscous. For a grain-free option, try cauliflower rice, though this will change the texture significantly.

How can I make this salad more substantial for a main dish?

To transform this salad into a main dish, add protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, canned tuna, chickpeas, or white beans. You could also increase the portion size and serve with crusty bread on the side.

Is this orzo pasta salad gluten-free?

Standard orzo contains gluten as it’s made from wheat. However, you can now find gluten-free orzo in many specialty stores or online. Alternatively, substitute rice-shaped gluten-free pasta or cooked quinoa for a gluten-free version.

How do I prevent the orzo from clumping together?

To prevent clumping, rinse the cooked orzo thoroughly with cold water immediately after draining, then toss it with a small amount of olive oil while still warm. Make sure to stir the salad well when adding the dressing to help separate any clumps.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs add wonderful flavor and aroma. Replace the dried oregano with 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano, and consider adding other Mediterranean herbs like parsley, basil, or dill. Remember that fresh herbs are best added just before serving.

What other vegetables work well in this salad?

This salad is quite versatile. Try adding artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, grated carrots, blanched broccoli florets, or marinated mushrooms for different flavor profiles and textures.

Can I make this orzo pasta salad dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. To maintain the tangy flavor profile, you could add extra olives, capers, or a touch more vinegar to compensate for the missing feta.

How long will leftover orzo pasta salad keep in the refrigerator?

When properly stored in an airtight container, this salad will keep well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The texture of the vegetables may soften slightly over time, but the flavor often improves after the first day.

Can I freeze orzo pasta salad?

Freezing is not recommended for this salad as the vegetables will become mushy when thawed, and the texture of both the pasta and feta cheese will deteriorate. This salad is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation.

Conclusion

This Best Orzo Pasta Salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. The combination of tender orzo, crisp vegetables, salty feta, and tangy dressing creates a harmonious dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Perfect for warm weather gatherings, meal prep lunches, or as a side to grilled proteins, this versatile salad adapts to countless occasions.

What makes this recipe stand out is its balance—offering satisfying texture, vibrant colors, and Mediterranean flavors in every bite. The beauty of this salad lies not only in its taste but also in its adaptability. Feel free to make it your own by incorporating seasonal vegetables or adjusting the herbs to suit your palate.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just beginning your culinary journey, this orzo pasta salad delivers consistent, delicious results that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a staple in your repertoire, ready to be enjoyed time and again.

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