![To make this tasty Greek Orzo Pasta Salad, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ½ cucumber, diced - ¼ red onion, finely chopped - ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste This Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is more than just delicious; it also has great nutrition. Each serving packs a good amount of protein from the feta cheese and fiber from the veggies. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition per serving: - Calories: Approximately 300 - Protein: 10g - Carbohydrates: 35g - Dietary Fiber: 3g - Fat: 15g - Saturated Fat: 5g This salad is a balanced option for lunch or a side dish. It brings fresh flavors and nutrients to your plate. If you want to change things up, here are some fun swaps: - Orzo: Use quinoa or farro for a gluten-free version. - Feta Cheese: Try goat cheese or omit it for a vegan option. - Olives: Swap kalamata olives for green olives or capers for a different taste. - Vegetables: Add bell peppers, spinach, or artichokes for more color and flavor. These substitutions let you customize the salad to your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting! For the full recipe, check out Mediterranean Orzo Delight. Start by boiling 1 ½ cups of vegetable broth or water. Use a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. When it boils, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo according to the package directions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a firm bite. Once done, drain the orzo in a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This helps keep the orzo from getting mushy. Then, pour the cooled orzo into a large mixing bowl and set it aside. While your orzo cools, it's time to chop the veggies. Take 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Next, grab ½ of a cucumber and dice it into small cubes. Then, finely chop ¼ of a red onion. These fresh vegetables add color and crunch to your salad. Toss the halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped onion into the bowl with the orzo. Stir them together gently to mix. Now, let’s make a simple dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until everything combines well. This dressing will give your salad a bright and zesty flavor. Drizzle your dressing over the orzo and vegetable mix. Use a spatula or large spoon to toss everything gently. Make sure all the ingredients are coated without breaking the orzo. Next, fold in ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese and ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently so the feta stays intact. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time helps the flavors blend nicely. To make your Greek orzo pasta salad pop, focus on fresh ingredients. Use ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the best taste. Here are some quick tips: - Add fresh herbs like basil or dill for extra zest. - Use high-quality olive oil for a richer flavor. - A dash of red wine vinegar can brighten the dish. This salad is great for many occasions. Serve it at picnics, barbecues, or family dinners. You can enjoy it as a light main dish or a side. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a full meal. If you want a heartier option, add chickpeas or grilled shrimp for protein. Make your dish eye-catching. Serve your Mediterranean orzo delight in a large, colorful bowl. Garnish with extra parsley and a few whole olives on top. This adds color and texture to your dish. You can also layer it in clear cups for individual servings. Let the vibrant colors shine through for a beautiful display! {{image_4}} You can make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad even heartier by adding protein. Some great options include: - Grilled chicken, diced - Shrimp, cooked and peeled - Canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained - Tuna, drained and flaked These proteins not only boost nutrition but also add different flavors. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. To make this salad vegetarian, simply leave out the feta cheese or use a dairy-free version. For a vegan option, replace the feta with avocado. Avocado adds creaminess without dairy. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or artichokes, for extra crunch. This keeps the dish fresh and vibrant. Using seasonal ingredients can enhance your salad's flavor. In summer, add fresh corn or zucchini. In fall, consider roasted butternut squash or Brussels sprouts. These ingredients change the dish and make it exciting all year round. You can mix and match based on what’s fresh and available. This makes your Greek Orzo Pasta Salad unique and fun! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. After enjoying your Greek orzo pasta salad, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Place the container in the fridge. Your salad will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can freeze orzo pasta salad, but be aware that some ingredients may change texture. To freeze, pack the salad into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for about 1 to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating orzo pasta salad is simple. If you prefer it warm, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring in between. You can also reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to revive flavors. Enjoy your meal at the temperature you like best! Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is a bright and tasty dish. It mixes orzo pasta with fresh veggies. You’ll find cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives in it. Feta cheese adds creaminess, while parsley gives a fresh touch. A simple lemon dressing ties all the flavors together. This salad is great as a side or a light meal. Yes, you can make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad ahead of time. In fact, making it a few hours in advance improves the flavor. Just prepare the salad and chill it in the fridge. The longer it sits, the more the flavors blend. Greek Orzo Pasta Salad lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you notice any changes in color or smell, it’s best to toss it out. No, orzo is not gluten-free. It is made from wheat, similar to pasta. However, you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn. Just check the package to be sure. For a gluten-free option, substitute orzo with quinoa or rice. We covered the key ingredients and their nutrition for Greek Orzo Pasta Salad. You learned how to cook orzo, prepare fresh veggies, and make a tasty dressing. I shared tips to boost flavor and ideas for serving. You can also find fun variations and storage tips. Making this salad is simple and fun. Enjoy trying new things in your kitchen!](https://blissfulmeal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2fd08110-7687-4c4c-9a69-8e728ee04873-300x300.webp)
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Discover the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean Orzo Delight, a refreshing salad perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe combines orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and a zesty dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's a delightful dish for your summer gatherings or meal prep.