Print

Fresh Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Lemon Feta Dressing

Greek orzo pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A bright and tangy Greek orzo pasta salad with a creamy lemon feta dressing, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Perfect for quick meals, potlucks, or summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (about 270g)
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups (270g) of orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping.
  2. Pour the cooked orzo into a colander and rinse under cold water to cool it quickly and stop the cooking process. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Dice 1 medium cucumber, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, slice ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, finely chop ¼ cup red onion, and roughly chop ¼ cup fresh parsley.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Add the prepared veggies and ¾ cup crumbled feta to the orzo. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated, being careful not to break up the feta too much.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook the orzo to keep it al dente. Rinse cooked orzo under cold water immediately to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Toss salad gently to preserve feta texture. Adjust salt carefully as feta and olives add saltiness. Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor melding. Can be made gluten-free by substituting orzo with quinoa or rice. For dairy-free, omit feta or use plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek salad, orzo pasta salad, lemon feta dressing, easy pasta salad, summer salad, Mediterranean salad, quick salad recipe

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/fresh-greek-orzo-pasta-salad-recipe-with-easy-lemon-feta-dressing/