Feta, olives, cucumber, and herbs in a lemony pasta salad
Greek Orzo Salad
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6
6 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Greek Orzo Salad
Feta, olives, cucumber, and herbs in a lemony pasta salad
A Mediterranean pasta salad with orzo, feta, cucumbers, olives, and herbs that works well for lunch, potlucks, or easy dinners.
15m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
25m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Orzo salads are useful because they eat like pasta salad but feel a little tidier and more versatile. This Greek-inspired version is bright, salty, and sturdy enough to hold up well in the fridge.
Ingredients
- 10 oz orzo
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 4 oz feta, crumbled
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
PrepDaily Use
Test Kitchen Pick
Chef Knife
Helpful Tool
Why a sharp knife helps here
When the recipe is mostly prep, the tool that matters most is the one doing the cutting. A sharp chef’s knife makes the whole process faster and cleaner.
This recipe is won or lost in prep speed and cleaner cuts.
- Speeds up chopping and slicing
- Makes prep more consistent and less frustrating
A good chef’s knife is still the single most useful kitchen upgrade for prep-heavy cooking.
Shop chef knife options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Cook the orzo and drain it.
- 2
Toss the warm orzo with olive oil and lemon juice.
- 3
Fold in the cucumber, tomatoes, olives, parsley, and feta.
- 4
Season to taste.
- 5
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Serve as a light main course or alongside grilled protein
Substitutions
FetaGoat cheese
Goat cheese is creamier and less briny but still very good
ParsleyDill
Dill gives the salad an even fresher feel
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Olive Oil
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the olive oil matters
On recipes like this, olive oil is not just a background fat. A better bottle gives you cleaner flavor and a better finish.
This is one of the few pantry upgrades that keeps paying off every time you cook in this lane.
- Useful in dressings, sauces, and finishing
- Improves flavor without changing the recipe structure
A good bottle of olive oil is one of the safest pantry upgrades for Mediterranean and Italian cooking.
Shop olive oil for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Do not overdress the salad at first; the orzo will keep absorbing as it sits.
This is good with chickpeas added if you want it to read more like a main.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating
No reheating needed.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 6 servings
Calories290
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein8g
Carbohydrates30g
Fat15g
Fiber2g
Sugar3g
Sodium420mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make it ahead?
- Yes. It is actually better after a short chill.
- Can I use another pasta?
- Yes. Small shapes like ditalini or couscous-style pasta also work well.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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