Easy Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Make this refreshing and flavorful Greek orzo pasta salad. It uses simple, fresh ingredients and a bright lemon dressing, perfect for potlucks or a light summer meal.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the orzo and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a make ahead orzo salad, prepare the dressing and chop all vegetables a day in advance. Combine everything, except the feta, up to 4 hours before serving. Add the feta just before serving to prevent it from dissolving.
- To add protein, mix in one can of rinsed and drained chickpeas or 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken breast.
- If you do not have fresh lemon juice, you can substitute with an equal amount of bottled lemon juice, though fresh is recommended for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 25
Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/greek-orzo-pasta-salad-recipe/