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We love a good salad recipe, and we love this twist on a classic dish. All of our Greek favorites have been invited to this Greek orzo pasta salad: olives, tomatoes, artichokes, cucumber, and creamy feta.
With all of these ingredients, this pasta salad is packed with flavor and is quite filling. The brightness of the veggies and the creamy feta are just a perfect combination.
Similar to our Greek Pasta Salad, this fresh salad comes together in no time for a quick and easy side or main dish, perfect for all of your salad needs.
We also love our Mozzarella Pasta Salad and Chicken Pasta Salad.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Ready in no time! This easy salad is a simple dish to whip up and is so refreshing. It’s ready in about 25 minutes!
- For every occasion. Greek orzo salad is the perfect potluck, picnic, or barbecue salad! It is great as a side dish or as a stand-alone dish.
- Make ahead. Pasta salads are great for making ahead of time as the flavors continue to meld and develop – this dish is no different!
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Ingredients And Substitutions
Orzo Salad
- 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta – cook to al dente for the best texture
- 6 ounces marinated artichoke hearts, drained
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved – or grape tomatoes
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled – or goat cheese
- 2 ounces black olives, drained – or kalamata olives
- optional mix-ins – rinsed capers or chickpeas, sautéed diced red onion or bell peppers, toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds, or a spritz of lemon juice
Greek Salad Dressing
- ¾ cup olive oil – We prefer extra virgin olive oil.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano – or fresh oregano, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried basil – or fresh basil, minced
- 1½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1½ teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
How to Make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
- PASTA. Boil a pot of water. Once boiling, add the pasta, reduce the heat, and cook al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain.
- COMBINE. Add the pasta to a large bowl along with the artichokes, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, and olives, and mix. Drizzle with Greek dressing and toss until evenly coated.
- SERVE. Use a salad dressing shaker and add the olive oil and dry seasonings to a small bowl. Mix, then add the vinegar and shake again. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Use as much or as little as you like.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- To use fresh herbs, double the amount listed and be sure to mince the fresh herbs so the dressing has a smooth texture.
- Our secret is to add some of the dressing to the orzo while it’s still slightly warm. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors and keeps it from sticking together.
- Cut all vegetables into similar sizes for even distribution.
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Orzo Salad
- 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 6 ounces marinated artichoke hearts, drained
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 ounces black olives, drained
Greek Dressing
- ¾ cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons basil
- 1½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1½ teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
Instructions
Orzo Salad
- Boil a pot of water. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta, reduce the heat, and cook al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain.
- Add the pasta to a large bowl along with the artichokes, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, and olives, and mix. Drizzle with Greek dressing and toss until evenly coated.
Greek Dressing
- Use a salad dressing shaker and add the olive oil and dry seasonings. Mix, then add the vinegar and shake again. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. You may use as much or as little as you like.
Notes
- To use fresh herbs, double the amount listed and be sure to mince the fresh herbs so the dressing has a smooth texture.
- Add some of the dressing to the orzo while it’s still slightly warm. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors and keeps it from sticking together.
- Cut all vegetables into similar sizes for even distribution.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Make this orzo salad the day before, toss it with some dressing, and keep it covered in the fridge. Toss with more dressing before serving.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container(s) in the fridge for about 3 days. Add a little more dressing in case it dries out.
Complete The Meal
Main Dishes
Best Chicken Marinade Recipe
45 mins
Easy Baked Salmon
40 mins
Easy Flat Iron Steak Recipe
2 hrs 35 mins
Breaded Pork Chops
45 mins
Desserts
Cherry Pie Recipe
1 hr 50 mins
Lemon Cheesecake
1 hr 25 mins
Apple Crumble Pie
55 mins
Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
40 mins
Pasta Salad Recipes
Asian Pasta Salad
15 mins
Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad
15 mins
Spinach and Tortellini Salad
20 mins
Layered Pasta Salad
13 mins
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This recipe was originally published February 2021.
Great summer salad. I have used it for my salad club with friends. Yummy
This Greek orzo salad is my new go-to comfort food! It was so comfy and hearty, I could eat it all day!
Not only is this recipe a summertime staple in our home, but it is also a hit at parties! Quick, easy and packed with flavor; the best pasta salad, indeed!
So flavorful and easy to make! Thank you for the recipe, saving it to make again!
You’re welcome!!
We love this salad! I added chickpeas this time and liked that too!
Five stars!
Yum! I bet that was a tasty addition. So glad you enjoyed the salad!
Perfect combination of flavors! So good! I love this salad! Perfect for summer… but also perfect alongside soup in the winter! The dressing is delicious!
Orzo salad is such a fun spin on pasta salad, and my family LOVED this Greek version! So much flavor and so easy to make. I’ll be making this one year-round!
Oh my goodness, so yummy! I didn’t use all of the dressing, and it’s great over green salad as well!
thanks to your artichoke dip Recipe I am now an artichoke fan. But I’m still not a feta fan so I’ll probably use a dry cotija. Everything else looks super yummy can’t wait to make it.
Mmm..love everything in this salad! It feels light & the flavor is delicious!
I love the Greek flavors in this. It’s a wonderful & tasty side dish or even a main dish.
A pasta dish worth the try. Love the flavor!