Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is a easy Greek recipe that serves 4. 415 calories per serving. Recipe by COOKING WITH SHEREEN on YouTube.
Prep: 34 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $26.59 total, $6.65 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Orzo Pasta (dry)
- 3 tbsp Greek Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, good quality)
- 1 large Lemon (zested and juiced (about 2 tbsp juice))
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Dill (chopped)
- 1 cup Tomatoes (cut into small wedges (cherry or grape work well))
- 0.5 English cucumber English Cucumber (partially peeled, sliced into half‑rounds)
- 0.5 cup Kalamata Olives (pitted, halved)
- 3 stalks Green Onions (sliced, both white and green parts)
- 5 oz Feta Cheese (good quality Greek feta, diced)
Instructions
Cook Orzo Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain in a colander and return the pasta to the pot.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: boiling
Dress Hot Orzo
While the pasta is still hot, drizzle the Greek olive oil over it, add the lemon zest and juice, and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Toss quickly so the hot pasta absorbs the oil and citrus.
Time: PT3M
Cool Pasta
Transfer the dressed orzo to a large mixing bowl and let it sit for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until it reaches room temperature.
Time: PT20M
Prepare Vegetables and Olives
While the pasta cools, finely chop the fresh dill, halve the tomatoes, slice the cucumber, halve the Kalamata olives, and slice the green onions.
Time: PT8M
Combine All Ingredients
Add the chopped dill, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, green onions, and diced feta to the cooled orzo. Toss gently until everything is evenly distributed.
Time: PT4M
Final Seasoning and Serve
Give the salad a final taste; add a pinch more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 415
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Contains gluten
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Orzo Pasta: Rice pasta, small pasta shapes such as ditalini
- Instead of Greek Olive Oil: Extra‑virgin olive oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Lemon: Lime
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Fresh Dill: Dried dill (1 tsp)
- Instead of Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes, drained
- Instead of English Cucumber: Regular cucumber
- Instead of Kalamata Olives: Black olives
- Instead of Green Onions: Scallions
- Instead of Feta Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Microplane Zester
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs
- Serving Bowl (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook Orzo Pasta until al dente
- Dress Hot Orzo with olive oil and lemon
- Combine all ingredients gently to keep feta intact
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality extra‑virgin Greek olive oil for the most authentic flavor.
- Zest the lemon before juicing to get the most aromatic oils.
- If you like extra tang, add a splash of red wine vinegar together with the lemon juice.
Troubleshooting
Orzo becomes soggy after mixing.
Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente and drained well. Toss with olive oil while still hot and let it cool completely before adding wet ingredients.
Salad tastes bland.
Add a little more lemon juice, a pinch of sea salt, or an extra drizzle of olive oil. Freshly ground pepper also brightens the flavor.
Feta is too salty.
Rinse the feta briefly under cold water and pat dry, or use a lower‑salt feta variety.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended; texture may become mushy.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the lemon zest, juice, and chopped vegetables up to 2 hours ahead and keep them refrigerated.
- Dress the orzo and keep the feta separate; combine just before serving for optimal texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Greek Orzo Pasta Salad in Greek cuisine?
Orzo salads, known as 'orzo me ladi' in Greece, have long been a staple of summer picnics and family gatherings. The dish combines the Mediterranean staples of olive oil, lemon, feta, and olives, reflecting the region’s emphasis on fresh, simple flavors.
What are the traditional regional variations of Greek Orzo Pasta Salad across Greece?
In the islands, the salad often includes capers and fresh herbs like mint, while in the mainland you’ll find more olives and sometimes roasted red peppers. Some regions add a splash of red wine vinegar for extra acidity.
How is Greek Orzo Pasta Salad traditionally served in Greece?
It is typically served at room temperature alongside grilled meats, fish, or as part of a meze platter. In many Greek homes it is presented in a large communal bowl for guests to help themselves.
On what occasions or celebrations is Greek Orzo Pasta Salad traditionally associated in Greek culture?
The salad is popular at summer barbecues, Easter family meals, and festive gatherings like name‑days. Its make‑ahead nature makes it ideal for large gatherings where dishes are prepared ahead of time.
What other Greek dishes pair well with Greek Orzo Pasta Salad?
It pairs beautifully with grilled souvlaki, lemon‑herb chicken, baked fish with oregano, and a simple Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumber, and feta. A glass of crisp Retsina or Assyrtiko wine complements the flavors.
What makes Greek Orzo Pasta Salad special or unique in Mediterranean cuisine?
The combination of a starchy pasta base with a bright lemon‑olive oil dressing, briny olives, and creamy feta creates a balance of textures and flavors that epitomizes Mediterranean simplicity and freshness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Greek Orzo Pasta Salad?
Overcooking the orzo, skimping on olive oil, and adding the dressing to cold pasta are the biggest pitfalls. Over‑dressing can make the salad soggy, while under‑seasoning leaves it flat.
Why does this Greek Orzo Pasta Salad recipe dress the pasta while it is still hot instead of using a cold dressing?
Hot pasta absorbs the olive oil and lemon juice more efficiently, creating a glossy coating that locks in flavor. Adding the dressing later would result in a watery, unevenly seasoned salad.
Can I make Greek Orzo Pasta Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; keep the feta separate if you prefer a firmer texture, then fold it in just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN specialize in?
The YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN focuses on easy-to-follow Mediterranean and Middle‑Eastern home cooking, highlighting fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and family‑friendly meals.
How does the YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN's approach to Greek cooking differ from other Greek cooking channels?
COOKING WITH SHEREEN emphasizes quick, everyday recipes that use readily available grocery‑store ingredients, while many traditional Greek channels focus on more elaborate, festive dishes. Shereen’s style is relaxed, with clear step‑by‑step narration and practical kitchen tips.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
