![To make an Easy Greek Orzo Salad, gather these fresh ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture to the dish. - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 large cucumber, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper (choose red or yellow), diced - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped For the dressing, you will need: - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste These ingredients create a bright and delicious salad that is both healthy and filling. The orzo pasta serves as a great base, while the colorful veggies bring crunch and freshness. The feta cheese gives a creamy touch, and the olives add a salty kick. This mix makes every bite exciting! Using fresh herbs, like parsley, brightens the dish even more. The dressing is simple but adds a lot of flavor. The olive oil and lemon juice balance each other perfectly. You can find the full recipe to guide you through this fun cooking process. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water bubbles, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, drain the orzo in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. Set the orzo aside to cool. While your orzo cooks, wash and chop the vegetables. Dice 1 large cucumber into small cubes. Finely chop 1/2 red onion. Dice 1 bell pepper, either red or yellow works great. Cut 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half. This helps to release their sweet juices, adding flavor to the salad. In a big mixing bowl, add your cooled orzo. Toss in the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, diced bell pepper, and 1/2 cup of sliced Kalamata olives. Crumble in 1/2 cup of feta cheese and add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. This mix of colors and textures will make your salad pop. Grab a small bowl for the dressing. Whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until everything blends well together. This dressing will tie all the flavors in your salad. Drizzle the dressing over your salad mix. Gently toss all the ingredients so they coat evenly. Be careful not to break the feta cheese too much, as you want those lovely crumbles in your salad. To boost the flavors, cover the salad and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the ingredients meld beautifully. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. For a nice touch, serve it in a large, colorful bowl and garnish with extra feta and whole olives on top. Enjoy this refreshing Greek orzo salad! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To cook orzo well, use a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. This adds flavor to the pasta. Bring the water to a boil. Then, add the orzo and stir. Cook it until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This keeps the orzo firm. Fresh ingredients make your salad shine. Look for bright-colored vegetables. Choose cucumbers that are firm and crunchy. For tomatoes, pick ones that are plump and juicy. Red onions should feel solid and have a nice color. Select bell peppers that are smooth and vibrant. When picking olives, go for Kalamata for their rich taste. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch too. Use herbs that are bright and fragrant. Seasonings bring your salad to life. Start with olive oil and lemon juice for a fresh taste. Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. Fresh lemon juice keeps it bright and zesty. Add dried oregano for a hint of earthiness. Don’t forget to sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Taste your salad before serving. Adjust the seasonings to suit your preference. This makes a big difference in flavor. For a twist, try adding a little garlic powder or red pepper flakes for heat. {{image_4}} You can boost the protein in your Greek Orzo Salad easily. Grilled chicken adds a savory touch. Simply slice it thinly and mix it in. Chickpeas are another great choice. They add a nice, nutty flavor and texture. Use canned chickpeas for quick prep. Just rinse and toss them in. This way, you make your salad heartier and more filling. If you want a vegan version, swap out the feta cheese. Use cubes of avocado for creaminess. You can also try vegan feta made from nuts. It gives a nice taste without any dairy. This keeps your salad light while still being rich in flavor. Don’t forget to check the dressing. Use a dairy-free oil and lemon mix for the best taste. Get creative with your veggies! Spinach adds a fresh, leafy crunch. You can mix in baby spinach right before serving. Artichokes bring a unique taste. Add marinated artichokes for extra zest. Bell peppers can also be switched for other colors. Each veggie brings its own flavor, so feel free to explore. You can find many options to make your salad unique. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. After enjoying your Easy Greek Orzo Salad, you may have some leftovers. To store them, place the salad in an airtight container. Cover it tightly to keep air and moisture out. This helps keep the salad fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Using glass containers works best for storage. They are safe and easy to clean. You can also use BPA-free plastic containers. Make sure they have a secure lid to prevent spills. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the ingredients. This salad is best served cold and does not need reheating. If you prefer it warm, try gently warming it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid overcooking the vegetables. You can also add a splash of olive oil for extra flavor. Easy Greek Orzo Salad can last up to five days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. After a day or two, the veggies may get a bit softer, but the taste stays fresh. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting for a few hours. Making it the night before works well too. Just remember to cover it and keep it in the fridge. If you can't find feta cheese, try using goat cheese or a dairy-free option. Crumbled cotija cheese also adds a nice touch. These options keep the flavor creamy and rich. No, orzo is not gluten-free. It is made from wheat. If you need a gluten-free option, consider using quinoa or gluten-free pasta instead. Both have a similar texture and work well in salads. Absolutely! Adding nuts or seeds can give your salad a great crunch. Try almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. They also add healthy fats and protein, making the dish even better. For the full recipe, click [Full Recipe]. In this blog post, we explored the tasty and fresh Easy Greek Orzo Salad. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting the dish. I also shared variations to suit your taste and ideas for storing leftovers. This salad is easy to make and is great for any meal. Enjoy the flavors and feel free to get creative with it. Simple meals can bring joy, and this one stands out. Try making it today!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2c58077d-d8be-4c36-bd0d-6fa4c81335db-250x250.webp)
Easy Greek Orzo Salad
Elevate your summer dining with this refreshing Greek orzo salad that's bursting with flavor! Packed with vibrant veggies, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing, this easy recipe is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a light lunch. Discover step-by-step instructions to create this delicious dish that takes just 45 minutes to prepare. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with a taste of the Mediterranean!