This vibrant and tasteful Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is bursting with flavors. This dish is not just a salad, it’s a celebration of summer on a plate. Whether you serve this as a light lunch or a side dish for your barbecue, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
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Orzo pasta salad is a popular dish inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. It incorporates ingredients commonly found in Greek cuisine, such as olives, feta cheese, tomatoes, and herbs.
With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and delightful textures, this Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is sure to become a staple in your summer menu. Whether you’re cooking for company or your just in the mood for some Mediterranean flavor, this dish will satisfy all. Another great salad to try is my Caprese Pasta Salad.
What other type of protein can I add to the Greek Orzo Pasta Salad?
Choose the protein option that suits your taste preferences. You can top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon or steak. You can also add hard boiled egg. Enjoy your protein-packed Greek Orzo Pasta Salad!
Helpful Kitchen Tools:
All-in-1 Vegetable Chopper Stainless Steel – Pro 8 Blades Food Veggie Chopper with Container – Onion Mincer Potatoe Dicer French Fry Cutter – Mandoline Slicer & Cheese Grater – Rugged and Durable
KitchenAid Classic Plastic Cutting Board with Perimeter Trench and Non Slip Edges, Dishwasher Safe, 11 inch x 14 inch, White and GrayTable Concept Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids, Stainless Steel Nesting Bowl Set for Space Saving Storage, Ideal for Cooking, Baking, Prepping & Food StorageAOOSY Salad Tongs, Salad Servers, Salad Tongs for Serving, 10.2 inches Acacia Wood Serving Utensils Set Salad Mixing Dinner Fork and Spoon Long Handle Salad Server Set Kitchen Cooking UtensilGoya Organic Chick Peas Garbanzo Beans, Low Sodium with Sea Salt, 15.5 Ounce (Pack of 8)Greek Red Wine Vinegar – Organic – NonGMO – Gluten Free – Paleo – 6% Acidity – Premium365 by Whole Foods Market, Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 33.8 Fl Oz
Ingredients Needed for Greek Orzo Pasta Salad:
For the salad:
Orzo Pasta: Is the base for the salad. It has a soft and chewy texture.
Cucumber: Adds a crunch and crispy texture to the salad.
Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a juicy sweetness as well as vibrant color.
Red Onion: Adds a spicy and crunchy bite.
Kalamata Olives: They contribute dept and saltiness to the salad.
Chickpeas: Is a nice protein addition, also gives a nutty flavor.
Feta Cheese: Is creamy, tangy and slightly salty.
For the dressing:
Dijon Mustard: Added to the dressing to give it a slightly spicy flavor.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Is the base of the dressing.
Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy flavor and helps balance out the other flavors.
Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a subtle tanginess to the dressing.
Garlic: Infuses the dressing with a pungent flavor.
Dried Oregano: Adds a Mediterranean flare while complimenting the other ingredients.
Salt and Pepper: Season the salad to enhance its overall flavor.
Step By Step Instructions:
1. Boil pasta in salted water according to instructions on package. Set aside.
2. Cut up the tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and red onion. Prepare the dressing.
3. In a large bowl add the pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, chick peas and red onion. Pour on dressing and mix.
4. Top with feta cheese and mix together until all is blended. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is a perfect make-ahead dish. You can prepare it in the morning and put it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. In fact, allowing the salad to chill for at least an hour before serving enhances the flavors as the ingredients marinate in the dressing.
Storing:
Store the leftover Greek Orzo Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
If the salad seems a bit dry, you can refresh it by tossing in a little more dressing and a splash or two of lemon.
This Greek Orzo Pasta Salad does not freeze well due to the texture changing. I suggest you enjoy it while it’s fresh.
PrintGreek Orzo Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 1x
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- Orzo Pasta: 1 cup
- Cucumber: 2 small, diced
- Cherry Tomatoes: 2 cups, halved
- Red Onion: 1/2 medium, chopped
- Kalamata Olives: 1 cup, pitted
- Chick Peas: 1 can, 15.5 ounce, drained
- Feta Cheese: 1 cup, crumbled
For the dressing:
- Dijon Mustard: 1/2 teaspoon
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup
- Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons
- Red Wine Vinegar: 3 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, mustard, minced garlic and dried oregano. Set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the orzo, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives and chick peas.
- Dress the Salad: Top the salad with the chopped feta cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give it a final toss and adjust seasoning if needed.
