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Zesty Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

When summer calls for something light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, few dishes hit the mark like a Zesty Greek Orzo Salad. This vibrant Mediterranean-inspired salad combines tender orzo pasta with crisp vegetables, tangy olives, briny feta cheese, and a bold, lemony dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a backyard barbecue, or looking for a healthy meal prep option, this Greek orzo salad brings together freshness, texture, and classic Greek flavors in every bite. It’s colorful, satisfying, and loaded with nutrients, making it a go-to dish for warm-weather dining or anytime you’re craving something bright and wholesome.

Unlike heavier pasta salads weighed down by mayonnaise or cream, this zesty Greek orzo salad is light and refreshing thanks to a homemade vinaigrette made with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. It’s a vegetarian-friendly recipe that is incredibly versatile—you can serve it cold or at room temperature, and it pairs well with just about any protein. It’s not only easy to make, but it stores well for days, making it ideal for lunchboxes, potlucks, or meal prep. Every spoonful is bursting with fresh herbs, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and the unmistakable flavor of the Mediterranean.

What Makes Zesty Greek Orzo Salad Recipe Special?

This zesty Greek orzo salad stands out because of its perfect balance between simplicity and bold flavor. The orzo provides a delicate, rice-like texture that absorbs the tangy lemon-oregano vinaigrette beautifully. Unlike heavier pasta dishes, this salad remains light and refreshing, while still being satisfying enough for a main course. The use of traditional Greek ingredients like Kalamata olives, feta cheese, cucumbers, and fresh herbs elevates the flavor and makes the dish not only delicious but authentic. Whether served fresh or as leftovers, this salad only gets better as the flavors meld over time.

Zesty Greek Orzo Salad Recipe
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Zesty Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

Recipe by Jamie Erin
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

280

kcal

Ingredients for Zesty Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

For the Salad:

  • 1½ cups dry orzo pasta

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cup cucumber, diced

  • 1 cup cucumber, diced

  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

  • ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

  • For the Zesty Greek Dressing:

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tsp lemon zest

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions for Zesty Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

  • Cook the Orzo Pasta
    Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain the orzo in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it quickly. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  • Prepare the Fresh Vegetables
    While the orzo is cooking and cooling, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and halve the Kalamata olives. Chop the fresh parsley and dill. Set everything aside.
  • Make the Zesty Greek Dressing
    In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is fully emulsified and flavorful. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Combine All Ingredients
    Add the cooled orzo to a large bowl. Gently fold in the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, parsley, and dill. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated. Finally, fold in the crumbled feta cheese. Be careful not to over-mix to keep the cheese from breaking up too much.
  • Chill and Serve
    For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the orzo to absorb the zesty dressing and all the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with a few extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.

What to Serve with Zesty Greek Orzo Salad Recipe

This zesty Greek orzo salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of mains:

  • Grilled chicken or lamb
  • Roasted or grilled fish like salmon or sea bass
  • Falafel or baked tofu for a vegetarian option
  • Warm pita bread or whole grain flatbread
  • A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~280
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 420mg

Final Thoughts

The zesty Greek orzo salad recipe is everything you want in a Mediterranean side dish: it’s quick, fresh, tangy, and bursting with color. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, planning a family picnic, or simply craving something healthy and delicious, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. With its zesty lemon dressing, fresh herbs, and perfect blend of crunchy and creamy textures, it’s more than just a salad—it’s a celebration of bold Greek flavors. Make it once, and you’ll find endless reasons to make it again.

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