Laura Rege is a Food Stylist and Recipe Developer who regularly contributes recipes and styles videos and photos for Delish. If she isn't in the Delish kitchens, you'll most likely find her out on the town looking for the next food trends in the US and on her travels abroad.
Move aside plain ol' pasta salad—orzo is here to shake things up. Though it looks a bit like rice, orzo isn't a grain—it's pasta! While we love it in comforting, warming pasta dishes (we're looking at you, orzo al limone) it also makes for a great salad base. Take this Greek-inspired recipe to the park for a light picnic lunch, or as fresh summer side to your group potluck. No matter the occasion, this Greek orzo salad was made to please.
This easy, fresh recipe is filled with all of our favorite bright Mediterranean flavors and mix-ins, like sweet tomatoes, briny olives, cucumber, and tangy feta, but you can toss in any veggies, cheese and dressing you like. If you want to switch things up, take inspiration from our favorite pasta salad recipes (our Italian-inspired pasta salad would be a great choice), and swap out the pasta for orzo.
If you're making it ahead or storing leftovers, this salad will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days (though good luck trying to make it last that long).
Made this orzo salad? Let us know how you liked it in the comments below!
- Yields:
- 6 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 20 mins
- Total Time:
- 35 mins
- Cal/Serv:
- 408
Ingredients
For the dressing
- 2 tbsp.
fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp.
Dijon mustard
- 1/4 c.
extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp.
freshly chopped dill, plus more for serving
- 1/4 c.
minced red onion
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
For the salad
- 8 oz.
orzo
- 3
Persian cucumbers, sliced into thin half-moons
- 2 c.
cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1
(15.5-oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 c.
pitted kalamata olives, halved
- 1 c.
crumbled feta (about 1/4 lb.)
- Nutrition Information
- Per Serving (Serves 6)
- Calories408 Fat17 gSaturated fat5 gTrans fat0 gCholesterol17 mgSodium620 mgCarbohydrates44 gFiber8 gSugar7 gProtein14 gVitamin D0 mcgCalcium163 mgIron2 mgPotassium421 mg
- Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.Powered by
Directions
- Step 1In a pot of salted boiling water, cook orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2Make dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice and mustard. While whisking, slowly add oil until fully combined. Stir in dill and red onion, then season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3Make salad: Add orzo, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and olives to dressing and toss to coat. Fold in feta and serve with more dill on top.