Greek Orzo Salad With Feta

I still remember the first time my sister and I made this Greek Orzo Salad. It was a slow summer afternoon—the kind that lingers longer than it should. We had friends coming over for a backyard cookout and wanted something colorful, flavorful, and fresh. Inspired by Grandma’s garden and our love for Mediterranean flavors, we threw together orzo, crisp veggies, and the creamiest feta we could find. A drizzle of lemony olive oil tied it all together. That bowl was the first thing to disappear.

This Greek Orzo Salad is now one of our go-to summer dishes, and here’s why: it’s made with tender orzo pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a generous handful of fresh herbs. The whole salad is tossed in a bright and zesty lemon vinaigrette that brings every bite to life. It’s incredibly easy to make and comes together in 25 minutes or less—which means less time in the kitchen, and more time enjoying the sunshine.

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Whether you’re making this Greek Orzo Salad for a BBQ, a potluck, or just meal prepping for the week, it hits all the right notes: fresh, flavorful, and full of heart.

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Why I Love Making Greek Orzo Salad with Feta Cheese

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that comes together quickly, looks beautiful on the table, and tastes even better the next day. That’s exactly what this Greek orzo salad with feta cheese is all about—flavorful, colorful, and always a hit. This easy Greek orzo salad is one I keep on rotation year-round.

Fresh, Simple Ingredients

The beauty of this Greek orzo salad lies in its simplicity. It’s built with ingredients you can find just about anywhere—especially your local farmer’s market. Crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, Kalamata olives, and fragrant basil come together in a way that feels like summer in a bowl. The produce is the hero here, and I always say: the fresher, the better. That’s why this Mediterranean-style Greek orzo salad works in any season.

Feta Cheese: The Creamy, Tangy Star

Let’s be honest—feta cheese is what takes this Greek feta orzo salad from good to unforgettable. Its tangy creaminess perfectly balances the crunch of the veggies and soaks up the lemony vinaigrette like a dream. If you’re a feta lover like me, you might also enjoy my Pecan & Pear Salad—another one of my go-to recipes with bold, sweet-and-savory flavor. And yes, that creamy cheese magic happens every time in this Greek orzo salad with feta.

Made for Cookouts and Gatherings

This Greek Orzo Salad is my top pick for summer celebrations. It’s been on our table every Fourth of July and Memorial Day for years. The bright colors pop against any spread, and it never fails to get compliments. Plus, you can double the recipe easily to feed a crowd.

It’s also perfect for those “what can I bring?” moments—we all have those last-minute potluck invites. And because it holds up well, it can sit out a bit longer than leafy salads without wilting.

Meal Prep Magic

Busy weeks? This Greek orzo salad with feta has your back. It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a go-to for light lunches or quick dinners. It’s an excellent vegetarian option for potlucks or meal prep, and the flavors just get better as they meld together overnight. Just scoop some into a container, and you’re out the door with a delicious lunch that actually satisfies.

Whether it’s served chilled at a picnic or packed into lunchboxes, this dish proves again and again that Greek Orzo Salad isn’t just easy and delicious—it’s dependable, versatile, and always a crowd favorite.

Is Orzo Rice or Pasta in Greek Orzo Salad?

At first glance, orzo can be a little deceiving. With its tiny, rice-like shape, many people wonder: is orzo rice or pasta? It’s a great question—and the answer might surprise you.

Orzo Is Actually Pasta, Not Rice

Orzo may look like rice, but it’s a type of short-cut pasta traditionally made from white semolina flour (though whole grain versions exist too). Despite its grain-like appearance, orzo is part of the pasta family, and it behaves just like pasta when cooked—soft, tender, and perfect for absorbing flavor.

In a Greek orzo salad, orzo plays a unique role. It adds the heartiness of pasta with the lightness of a grain, making it a perfect foundation for cold, crisp, veggie-packed dishes like this one.

Why It’s So Perfect for Greek Feta Salads

Orzo’s small shape means it cooks quickly—usually under 10 minutes—making it a time-saver for busy home cooks. It’s also incredibly versatile: you can use it in soups, warm grain bowls, or chilled dishes like our beloved Greek feta orzo salad.

And here’s my favorite part: because of its size and shape, orzo blends seamlessly with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta. It doesn’t overwhelm the salad—it elevates it.

So, while it might pass for rice on the surface, orzo is most definitely pasta—and in this salad, it’s pasta doing its absolute best work.

The Best Greek Salad Ingredients

When it comes to making the perfect Greek orzo salad, it all comes down to the ingredients. This isn’t one of those recipes where you can hide subpar produce behind layers of sauce—every element matters and should shine in its own fresh, vibrant way.

Here’s a complete breakdown of what goes into this Greek-inspired beauty and a few helpful swaps if you need them:

You can find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe card below!

Salad Ingredients

• Feta Cheese : Feta is the creamy, tangy heart of any good Greek feta salad. I always go with block feta packed in brine for maximum flavor and texture.
  Swap it out: Not into feta? Try Cotija or goat cheese—both offer similar creaminess with their own twist.
• Cherry Tomatoes : Sweet and juicy, they add brightness and color. I like to cut them from the stem down for a nice visual presentation.
  Summer tip: Use heirloom or garden-fresh tomatoes when in season—they’re unbeatable.
• Fresh Basil : A fresh handful of basil adds an herby lift. For that pretty ribboned look, stack, roll, and slice the leaves thinly.
  Substitute: Flat-leaf parsley works great too if you prefer a more traditional herb.
• Kalamata Olives : Their bold, briny punch is what makes this salad unmistakably Greek.
  Need a backup? Black olives are a mellow alternative, just make sure they’re pitted!
• Red Bell Pepper : I love the sweet crunch and bold color it adds.
  Switch it up: Green, yellow, or even orange bell peppers work beautifully in this fresh summer salad.
• Cucumber : This is your crunch factor! I dice English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers into bite-sized pieces for easy eating and great texture.
  Skip the big chunks—smaller cuts blend better with orzo.
• Red Onion : A little raw onion goes a long way. I like to mince it finely for just the right amount of bite without overpowering.

Pro tip: Soak the diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the sharpness if needed.

Dressing Ingredients

• Olive Oil : This is your base, so use the highest-quality extra virgin olive oil you can find. Trust me, it makes a difference.
• Oregano : Dried oregano is classic, but if you’re using fresh oregano, triple the amount to match the flavor intensity.
• Salt : Since feta already brings a salty punch, I recommend seasoning lightly—you can always add more later.
• Red Wine Vinegar :Bright and tangy, it gives the dressing that signature zing.
  Alternative: Fresh lemon juice is a lovely swap for a citrusy twist!

How to Make Greek Orzo Salad with Feta

Follow these simple steps to build a flavorful and refreshing Mediterranean-style salad that comes together fast, looks gorgeous, and tastes even better after chilling.

STEP 1: COOK THE ORZO

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt.
2. Toss in the orzo and cook it according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente.
3. Drain and immediately rinse the orzo under cold water to cool it and stop it from overcooking.
4. Set the orzo aside to finish draining.

Pro Tip: Stir occasionally while cooking to keep the orzo from sticking to the pot—it’s a small move that makes a big difference!

STEP 2: CHOP THE VEGETABLES

1. While the pasta is boiling, dice the red bell pepper and cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
2. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half from top to bottom.
3. Finely chop the red onion and slice the Kalamata olives—leave them whole if you love big bites of briny flavor.
4. Stack and slice fresh basil leaves into thin ribbons for a beautiful, fragrant finish.

STEP 3: WHISK TOGETHER THE DRESSING

1. In a mixing bowl or jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk until everything is well blended into a zesty vinaigrette.

STEP 4: BUILD THE SALAD

1. Add the cooled orzo to a large salad bowl along with the chopped veggies, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix everything until evenly coated.
3. Sprinkle the basil ribbons on top and toss one final time to finish.

STEP 5: CHILL AND SERVE

1. Cover the salad and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors come together.
2. Once chilled, give it a quick stir and serve it cold—it’s bright, crisp, and absolutely delicious.

How to Store Greek Orzo Salad for Maximum Freshness

This Greek orzo salad with feta is just as practical as it is delicious. It stores beautifully and makes for a perfect make-ahead option, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or saving leftovers from a family gathering.

Refrigerator

This salad holds up great in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent the veggies from drying out.

Over time, the orzo may soak up some of the dressing. To bring the texture and flavor back to life, just drizzle in a little extra olive oil and a splash of lemon juice before serving. It revives the salad without overpowering the original flavors.

Variations

• Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or beef slices to turn this fresh Greek orzo salad into a protein-packed meal.
• Cheese: Swap the feta for goat cheese, provolone cubes, or even gorgonzola to switch up the flavor and texture.
• Citrus Twist: Use fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a brighter or sweeter finish.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in extras like sweet corn, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor and crunch.

What to Serve with Greek Feta Salad – Tasty Pairing Ideas

This Greek orzo salad with feta is super versatile—it can shine as a side or stand strong as a main with just a few delicious pairings. Here are some of my favorite ways to round out the meal:

Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita is perfect for scooping up every bite of this refreshing salad. Bonus points for homemade!

Grilled Meats: Whether it’s juicy Grilled Chicken, tender steak, or even lamb skewers, anything hot off the grill complements the salad’s cool, zesty flavors.

Burgers & Brats: Serve this salad with your favorite burgers or bratwurst at your next cookout—it’s a colorful, crowd-pleasing combo.

Falafel or Veggie Patties: For a meatless meal, pair the salad with crispy falafel or a hearty veggie burger. The textures work beautifully together.

Hummus & Dips: A side of hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush makes a Mediterranean-inspired spread that’s perfect for snacking and sharing.

Top Tips for the Best Greek Feta Salad at Home

Making this Greek orzo salad with feta is easy, but a few little tricks can really elevate the final result.

Save extra dressing: Orzo tends to soak up the vinaigrette as it sits. If you’re making the salad ahead of time, hold back a bit of the dressing and toss it in right before serving to keep things fresh and flavorful.

Bring it back to life: If the salad feels a little dry the next day, don’t worry—a splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil will revive it instantly.

Mix up the veggies: While this version sticks close to the traditional Greek salad base, feel free to get creative! I love tossing in yellow bell peppers, sweet corn, or even dried cranberries for a little extra sweetness and texture.

Conclusion: A Greek Orzo Salad Worth Making Again and Again

Whether you’re prepping meals for the week, planning a Mediterranean-inspired cookout, or just looking for something fresh and simple, this Greek orzo salad with feta is the answer. It’s colorful, vibrant, and full of texture, with flavors that get better as they sit.

From its tangy dressing to its tender pasta and crisp veggies, every bite feels like sunshine in a bowl. Plus, it stores beautifully, adapts to your pantry, and pairs well with just about anything. What more could you ask for?

Greek Orzo Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish loaded with vibrant veggies, tangy feta, and tender orzo pasta—perfect for lunch, picnics, or a light dinner. If you love Mediterranean-inspired meals, follow Sofie Recipes on Facebook for the latest healthy and delicious recipes.

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