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Greek Orzo Pasta Salad: A Flavor-Packed Mediterranean Delight

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

This Greek Orzo Salad is a vibrant, flavour-packed dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish, or even a light dinner. It’s incredibly easy to make and combines the fresh, tangy flavours of the Mediterranean with tender orzo pasta. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option for meal prep or picnics!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 80ml (1/3 cup) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 small bunch Fresh Parsley, finely diced (1oz/30g)
  • 1 heaped tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/4 tsp each: Salt, Black Pepper (plus more to taste)
  • 150g (5.3oz) Baby Plum Tomatoes, halved
  • 100g (3.5oz) Feta, cubed
  • 100g (3.5oz) Kalamata Olives, halved
  • 3 tbsp very finely diced Red Onion (1/2 small/medium onion)
  • 1 small clove Garlic, very finely diced
  • 300g (1 1/2 cups) uncooked Orzo
  • 75g (2.6oz) Green Pepper, finely diced
  • 75g (2.6oz) Cucumber, sliced into thin quarter pieces
  • 1/2 Lemon, juice only

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate: Add the tomatoes, feta, olives, red onion, and garlic to the dressing. Stir to combine and let it marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature (or cover and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavour). Stir occasionally if possible.
  3. Cook the orzo: Boil the orzo in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool. Shake off excess water.
  4. Combine: Add the cooled orzo to the marinated mixture. Stir in the green pepper and cucumber.
  5. Finish with lemon: Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld. Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Marinating: The longer the olives, feta, and tomatoes sit in the dressing, the more flavourful the salad becomes.
  • Lemon: A final squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. Adjust to your taste.
  • Serving: The salad mellows as it rests, so it’s perfect for making ahead.

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