Why You’ll Love This Greek Orzo Salad
Looking for a refreshing, easy-to-make salad that’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or meal prep? Greek Orzo Salad with Feta is a crowd-pleaser—packed with Mediterranean flavors, colorful veggies, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, soaks up the bright flavors of lemon, olive oil, and herbs, while feta cheese and Kalamata olives add a salty punch. Best of all, it’s make-ahead friendly, so you can prep it in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Salad keeps it simple with fresh, wholesome ingredients:
- Orzo pasta – The star of the dish! Cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
- Cherry tomatoes – Adds sweetness and a juicy bite.
- Cucumber – For a refreshing crunch.
- Red onion – A sharp, tangy contrast.
- Kalamata olives – Salty, briny, and authentically Greek.
- Feta cheese – Creamy and rich; use block feta for best texture.
- Fresh herbs – Parsley and dill for a bright, herby finish.
For the Dressing:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Dried oregano
- Salt & pepper
(Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Orzo
Boil orzo in salted water until al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Chop the Veggies
Dice cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, and crumble feta.
3. Make the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine Everything
In a large bowl, mix orzo, veggies, olives, and herbs. Pour dressing over and toss gently. Top with feta.
(Optional: Let it chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.)
Tips for the Best Greek Orzo Salad
✔ Don’t overcook the orzo – It should be tender but still have a slight bite.
✔ Use high-quality feta – Authentic Greek feta has better flavor and texture.
✔ Add protein – Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make it a full meal.
✔ Double the batch – This salad keeps well for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is versatile! Serve it:
- As a light lunch with grilled pita bread.
- Alongside grilled meats like chicken or lamb.
- At picnics or potlucks—it travels well!
Why This Salad is a Winner
✅ Quick & easy – Ready in under 20 minutes.
✅ Packed with flavor – Every bite is fresh and zesty.
✅ Great for crowds – Doubles or triples easily.
Final Thoughts
This Salad with Feta is the ultimate shareable, picnic-friendly dish—bursting with Mediterranean flavors and simple to make. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting a summer BBQ, this salad is sure to impress.
Try it out and let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite add-in?
