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This delicious Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is packed with fresh veggies, fresh herbs, salty feta, and soaked in a zesty lemon dressing, perfect for a side or light lunch!
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Fresh Zesty Orzo Pasta Salad
Whether its summertime or not this pasta salad is a hearty and comforting dish. The tomatoes and cucumbers give this pasta salad a wonderful crunch and the orzo provides a wonderful base that helps bring everything together. This is one of my favorite salads to make for meal planning since it keeps it just keeps getting better as it sits!
In addition to being nutritious and veggie backed this pasta salad is incredibly colorful and vibrant which is why it’s one of my favorite things to bring to potlucks and as a side when a friend invites us to dinner. This versatile pasta salad allows you to mix and match the veggies you use and add and subtract as you see fit. If you are looking for a hearty salifying dish that could be a side or a main with added protein you found it!
How to Make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
First you will need to assemble the following ingredients:
- Orzo pasta salad – orzo has a consistency similar to large rice and is a great choice for pasta salad. You can substitute a different type of pasta if you prefer.
- Lemon zest – zest adds an extra pop to the zests dressing, I just zest the lemons before I juice them.
- Lemon juice – lemon juice is very acidic and adds a wonderful refreshing zest to the pasta.
- Olive oil – olive oil adds fat to the dressing and helps it adhere to the pasta.
- Garlic – garlic has a really strong punchy flavor that is the main flavor for the dressing.
- Oregano – oregano has a refreshing herbaceous flavor that compliments the garlic and lemon perfectly.
- Sea salt – sea salt is critical to season the pasta, the feta will add more salt so wait to add more till everything is combined.
- Fresh ground black pepper – fresh black pepper adds a wonderful spice to the dressing. You can add more If you prefer.
- Sugar – the granulated sugar in the dressing helps balance out the acidity of the lemon.
- Cherry tomatoes – cherry tomatoes have a wonderful sweet flavor and pop in your mouth.
- Cucumber – cucumber adds a fresh taste and crunchy texture.
- Sun dried tomatoes – sun dried tomatoes are a great way to get a really concentrated tomato flavor.
- Feta cheese – I use plain feta but seasoned feta will work too.
- Olives – you can use black or pitted kalamata olives
- Basil and Dill – these fresh herbs bring this salad to the next level with a fresh herbaceous taste.
Use the Following Method
Cook the pasta. Cook the orzo in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain.
Make the dressing. In a small bowl combine the lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and sugar. Whisk to combine well. Add the dressing to the warm pasta and stir regularly as the pasta cools.
Finish and enjoy. Add all the other ingredients to the pasta salad stir to combine. Taste and add more salt if needed. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Refreshing Greek Pasta Salad
Make it ahead. One of my favorite things about this pasta salad is that it can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge until you need it!
Add nuts. If you are looking to add a little extra crunch and protein, try adding some toasted sunflower seeds, toasted slivered almonds, or toasted pepita seeds.
FAQs
This pasta salad is best when served at room temperature, it can also be served cold.
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container for 3-5 days. Its best to let it come to room temperature before serving.
Other Delicious Salads
I love to serve this pasta salad as a side especially with easy baked breaded chicken or air fryer steaks. Also try my favorite greek pasta salad!
Click here to see all our salad recipes!
Easy Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
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Easy Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta salad
- ¼ tsp lemon zest
- 4 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 tsp garlic pressed or minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cups cucumber medium diced
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
- ¼ cup olives halved, black or pitted kalamata
- 2 tbsp fresh basil minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill minced
- Optional 2 tsp capers, minced
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil then cook orzo for 10 minutes.
- While orzo is cooking, in a medium bowl make the dressing by combining lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, sea salt, and sugar. Whisk to bring together.
- When ready, drain the orzo and place it – hot – into a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the pasta and stir well.
- As the pasta cools stir it periodically so it soaks up the dressing well.
- Once pasta has cooled add all the remaining ingredients to the bowl and stir to combine. Taste once combined then adjust with more salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
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