Orzo Pasta Salad: A Light and Refreshing Mediterranean-Inspired Dish

Orzo Pasta Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for all occasions. With its bright, fresh ingredients and tangy dressing, it’s a go-to recipe for warm-weather meals and gatherings. Whether you’re making it for a picnic, potluck, or weekday meal prep, this Mediterranean-inspired salad is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

The best part about this orzo pasta salad is its versatility. You can customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand, and it will still taste amazing. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal prep recipe or a quick salad for a gathering, this dish is easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Orzo Pasta Salad

🍋 Light and Refreshing – The zesty lemon dressing and fresh veggies make this salad bright and flavorful.

🥗 Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it as a side dish, main meal, or meal prep option for busy days.

⏳ Quick and Easy – This recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare and requires minimal cooking.

🧀 Packed with Mediterranean Flavors – Featuring orzo, feta, olives, and a lemon-herb dressing, this dish brings the best of Mediterranean cuisine to your table.

🌱 Customizable and Healthy – Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or extra veggies to make it even more nutritious.

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Ingredients for Orzo Pasta Salad

For the Salad:

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped

For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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How to Make Orzo Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

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Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

1. While the pasta is cooling, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into small pieces.
2. Slice the black olives and chop the fresh herbs.

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Step 3: Make the Lemon-Herb Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

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Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, chopped vegetables, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
3. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for extra flavor.

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Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
2. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra feta and fresh herbs.

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Tips for the Best Orzo Pasta Salad

🍝 Cook the Orzo Al Dente – Slightly firm pasta absorbs the dressing better without becoming mushy.

🌱 Use Fresh Herbs – Fresh parsley or basil adds a burst of flavor.

🧀 Choose High-Quality Feta – A good-quality feta cheese makes all the difference in taste and texture.

🍋 Make it Zestier – Add lemon zest for extra citrusy brightness.

🌶 Spice it Up – Add crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

⏳ Let it Marinate – Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge enhances the flavors.

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How to Store Orzo Pasta Salad

🧊 Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

🔥 Avoid Freezing: The pasta and veggies don’t freeze well, as they become mushy when thawed.

🥄 Freshen It Up: Before serving leftovers, toss with a little extra lemon juice and olive oil to revive the flavors.

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How to Serve Orzo Pasta Salad

🍗 As a Side Dish – Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.

🥗 As a Main Course – Add grilled shrimp, chickpeas, or rotisserie chicken for extra protein.

🎉 For Parties and Potlucks – This salad is perfect for large gatherings, as it stays fresh for hours.

🍷 With a Glass of Wine – Pairs well with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

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Variations to Try

🥑 Avocado Orzo Salad – Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture.

🌽 Mediterranean Orzo Salad – Mix in artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted red peppers.

🥒 Greek Orzo Salad – Replace red bell pepper with extra cucumbers, kalamata olives, and a dash of Greek seasoning.

🥕 Vegan Orzo Salad – Skip the feta and add roasted chickpeas or pine nuts for a crunch.

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Why This Orzo Pasta Salad is a Must-Try

This Orzo Pasta Salad is light, refreshing, and full of bold Mediterranean flavors. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly versatile, and perfect for meal prep or gatherings. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, main meal, or lunch on the go, this zesty, colorful salad will keep you coming back for more.

Give this easy and flavorful orzo pasta salad recipe a try and enjoy a healthy, satisfying dish packed with delicious ingredients!