Go Back
+ servings

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is a bright, fresh, and flavor-packed dish made with tender orzo pasta, bell peppers, crisp cucumbers, spinach, briny olives, and creamy feta, all tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing.
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
Keyword Easy Orzo Pasta Salad, Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 417kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Orzo Pasta (455 g) uncooked – cook to al dente (9–11 minutes)
  • ½ cup Red Onion (75 g), finely chopped
  • 1 cup Kalamata Olives (150 g)
  • ½ cup Green Olives (75 g)
  • ¾ cup Feta (115 g)
  • 4 Mini Bell Peppers (200 g), red, orange, yellow
  • 4 Mini Persian (200 g), or Hot House Cucumbers, skin left on
  • ½ cup Olive Oil (120 ml)
  • ¼ cup Red Wine Vinegar (60 ml)
  • 2 Spinach (70 g), heaping handfuls
  • 1 whole Lemon (45–60 ml) juice of whole lemon, about 3–4 tablespoon

Instructions

  • Cook the Orzo - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta (16 oz / 455 g) and cook according to the package directions, usually about 9 to 11 minutes, until al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
  • Prep the Vegetables - While the pasta cools, finely chop the red onion, and slice the peppers and cucumbers in half lengthwise then into ⅛” slices. You can leave the skin on the cucumbers for extra crunch and color.
  • Crumble the Feta - Using clean hands or a fork, crumble the feta cheese (¾ cup / 115 g) into small, bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  • Make the Dressing
  • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil (½ cup / 120 ml), red wine vinegar (¼ cup / 60 ml), and the juice of 1 lemon (about 3–4 tablespoons / 45–60 ml). Stir or shake well to combine.
  • Assemble the Salad - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo pasta with the chopped red onion, bell peppers, cucumbers, Kalamata olives (1 cup / 150 g), and green olives (½ cup / 75 g). Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Add the Greens and Feta - Gently fold in two generous handfuls of fresh spinach (about 70 g) and the crumbled feta cheese. Give everything one final toss to bring it all together.
  • Serve and Enjoy - Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—add a pinch of salt or a bit more lemon juice if you'd like a brighter flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature. This salad makes a perfect lunch, side dish, or potluck favorite!

Notes

Recipe Note: For a complete meal with protein, pair this salad with grilled Greek Lemon Chicken —it's a perfect match!
 
CTA for recipe card

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 561mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 650IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg