Name: Best Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 1/2 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup black olives, sliced; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Bright, satisfying, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, the Best Orzo Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to bring a touch of sunshine to any table. This quick and colorful salad is loaded with crisp veggies, briny olives, tangy feta, and a zippy homemade dressing, all tossed with tender orzo pasta for a meal that’s as comforting as it is refreshing. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, a potluck, or just a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe always delivers big on taste with very little fuss.

Best Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Best Orzo Pasta Salad lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is chosen for its unique contribution to the salad’s flavor, texture, and eye-catching color. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips to make every bite memorable:

Orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks up quickly and soaks up all the delicious flavors—don’t overcook it for the best texture!
Cucumber: Adds a cool, juicy crunch that keeps the salad light and refreshing.
Red bell pepper: Provides a sweet pop of color and a crisp bite that contrasts beautifully with the orzo.
Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness brighten up every forkful.
Red onion: Finely chopped for a mild, zesty bite that doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
Black olives: Sliced for convenience, they bring a distinct briny depth that’s oh-so Mediterranean.
Feta cheese: Crumbled on top, it lends a creamy, salty tang that ties the salad together.
Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin variety for the richest flavor in your dressing.
Red wine vinegar: Its tartness gives the salad a lively, tangy kick—don’t skip it!
Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb flavor that infuses the salad with savory notes.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—add to taste so your Best Orzo Pasta Salad really shines.

How to Make Best Orzo Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the orzo according to the package directions until it’s just tender. Be careful not to overcook—the orzo should be slightly firm so it holds up once tossed with the other ingredients. Once cooked, drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water. This not only stops the cooking process but also cools the pasta down, making it salad-ready in minutes.

Step 2: Prep and Combine the Veggies

While the orzo is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and add your diced cucumber, red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and sliced black olives. These veggies bring crunch, color, and plenty of fresh flavors. Once the orzo has cooled completely, toss it into the bowl, followed by a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Give everything a gentle toss to combine and distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. This simple homemade dressing is the secret to what makes the Best Orzo Pasta Salad so irresistible—zesty, herby, and perfectly balanced, it ties together all the Mediterranean notes in every bite.

Step 4: Toss and Combine

Pour the dressing over the orzo and veggie mixture, making sure to scrape in every last drop for maximum flavor. Use salad tongs or a large spoon to toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated and glistening with dressing. This is where the magic happens—the orzo soaks up the tangy flavors, and the veggies and feta meld into a harmonious salad.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Transfer the finished salad to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This rest time allows the flavors to mingle and deepen, making the Best Orzo Pasta Salad even more delicious. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick toss and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.

How to Serve Best Orzo Pasta Salad

Garnishes

To make your Best Orzo Pasta Salad extra special, sprinkle a few more crumbles of feta cheese and a pinch of dried oregano over the top just before serving. A handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil also adds a burst of color and freshness. For a little extra crunch, try topping with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds.

Side Dishes

This salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a more substantial meal. It’s also a fantastic partner for pita bread, hummus, or a simple green salad. At potlucks and picnics, the Best Orzo Pasta Salad holds its own alongside burgers, skewers, or roasted veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, serve the salad in a large, shallow platter to showcase its vibrant colors. You can also scoop it into individual mason jars for portable lunches, or stuff it into halved bell peppers for a fun, edible bowl. If you’re entertaining, try arranging the veggies and cheese on top in a decorative pattern before tossing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Best Orzo Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it a great option for meal prep or easy lunches throughout the week. Give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze orzo pasta, the salad’s fresh ingredients like cucumber and tomatoes don’t thaw well and may become mushy. For best results, enjoy your Best Orzo Pasta Salad fresh or from the fridge rather than the freezer. If you must freeze, do so without the vegetables and cheese, then stir those in fresh after thawing.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer a slightly warmer salad, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving as it can affect the texture of the veggies and cheese.

FAQs

Can I make the Best Orzo Pasta Salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular orzo pasta with a gluten-free version, which is available at most grocery stores. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this salad without any worries.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to get creative and toss in your favorite veggies. Roasted zucchini, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or even spinach make fantastic additions to the Best Orzo Pasta Salad. Just make sure to keep everything bite-sized for easy eating.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can prepare the Best Orzo Pasta Salad up to 24 hours ahead of time. In fact, making it a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just wait to add any fresh herbs or extra garnishes until right before serving for the best texture and color.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Definitely! Just leave out the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. The salad will still be delicious and full of bold, Mediterranean flavors.

Can I use a different type Salad

Yes, while orzo is the star of the show, you can swap in small pasta shapes like ditalini, mini shells, or even couscous if orzo isn’t available. Just keep the cook time in mind and adjust as needed for your chosen pasta.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s vibrant, satisfying, and downright crave-worthy, you can’t go wrong with the Best Orzo Pasta Salad. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to earn you rave reviews at any table. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it on repeat!

Best Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A vibrant and refreshing Orzo Pasta Salad featuring tender orzo, crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty oregano vinaigrette. Perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or as a light side dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 1/2 cups orzo pasta

Vegetables & Cheese

1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Orzo: Prepare the orzo pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled orzo, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well emulsified and flavorful.
Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the orzo and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated with the zesty dressing.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled for best taste and refreshing texture.