Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
Easy Greek Orzo Salad Recipe
How to Make Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives & Tomatoes
This simple, satisfying Greek orzo salad recipe is equally delicious enjoyed cold or warm! Savory, light, refreshing—and awesomely easy to prep in under 15 minutes. Learn how to make orzo pasta salad with feta, olives, and tomatoes.
Similar to a Greek salad, this Mediterranean orzo salad recipe features tangy tomatoes, salty olives, and I highly recommend adding a helping of savory crumbled feta. But, instead of leafy greens, we’re making this into a Greek orzo pasta salad with a comforting noodle base!
It’s hearty enough to enjoy on its own as a vegetarian meal, yet still light enough to serve as a side with pan seared salmon or your favorite protein. Plus, I love that I can serve this Greek orzo salad cold or warm. Perfect for packing as an on-the-go lunch, or for serving as a freshly cooked weeknight meal!
What is Greek orzo made from?
This Greek orzo salad consists of cooked orzo dressed in a bit of olive oil and lemon juice, plus tomatoes, olives, parsley, and some optional feta cheese. Because of its unique shape, many people are often confused: Is orzo pasta or rice? Though it looks like small grains of rice, orzo is actually just a uniquely shaped pasta noodle! It makes for a great change in texture and is quite fun to eat.
How to Make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Prepping this Greek orzo salad is just as easy as any pasta salad recipe:
- Cook orzo pasta, drain, and toss with olive oil or butter.
- Toss orzo together with additional seasonings, vegetables, and optional feta cheese.
- Serve cold or warm and enjoy!
Substitutions & Additions
- Pasta: I love the shape and texture of orzo in this recipe, but you can also substitute with any shape of pasta you prefer.
- Dressing: the olive oil and lemon juice function as a simple, light dressing here, but you’re welcome to add some red wine vinegar—or use a different dressing altogether if you like!
- Veggies: substitute with your favorites or pack in even more raw veggies, like bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, or even arugula.
- Cheese: the feta cheese is totally optional, or try crumbled goat cheese instead!
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Feta vs. Without
Personally, I love to enjoy this Greek orzo salad with feta cheese! It adds a tangy, salty bite as well as some vegetarian protein. Just keep in mind, this recipe is best served cold with feta in it, rather than reheating it. (Also, obviously, this recipe is no longer vegan if you add feta cheese.)
Should Greek orzo be served hot or cold?
As mentioned, you can enjoy this Greek orzo pasta salad cold or warm! It’s equally delicious eaten straight out of the fridge, freshly cooked while the pasta is still warm, or even reheated in the microwave. However, if you decide to add feta cheese, I personally think it’s best served cold in that case.
How long does orzo salad last in the fridge?
The beauty of any pasta salad recipe is that they’re great for meal prep and making ahead of time! Whether you make this Greek orzo pasta salad with feta or without it, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.
To see how this Greek orzo is made, watch my 15 Minute Pan Seared Salmon Dinners video!
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 oz orzo pasta
- drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil , (or butter)
- 1 lemon, juice & zest
- ¾ cup kalamata olives, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ cup crumbled feta , (optional, if served cold)
Instructions
- Cook orzo pasta according to package directions.
- Drain pasta, transfer to a bowl, and toss with olive oil or butter.
- Add lemon juice and zest, olives, tomatoes, parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper. (Add feta cheese if desired.)
- Mix well to integrate, serve, and enjoy!
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.
- Serve cold as a refreshing pasta salad, or reheat to enjoy warm!
- Yields ~8 cups Greek orzo pasta salad.
