This Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Orzo is light, fresh, and full of bold flavor. Made with orzo, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives, all tossed in a homemade Greek dressing, it's an easy side dish that's perfect for meal prep and make-ahead meals.
During the warmer months, I lean on pasta salads like this one for easy lunches and no-fuss dinners. I love being able to make it earlier in the day and let it chill until we're ready to eat. If you enjoy fresh, flavorful pasta salads, this one fits right in alongside my Italian pasta Salad, or something a little creamier like my Creamy Chipotle Pasta Salad.
It's simple, flexible, and always a hit when I need something that doesn't require turning the oven on at dinnertime.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Orzo - It cooks quickly and is the perfect size for getting a perfect bite of every ingredient on a single forkful. Other short pasta shapes like rotini are great substitutes.
- Red Onion - Adds a little bite and color. A yellow or white onion can be substituted if you want something a little milder.
- Kalamata Olives - Briny and flavorful. Black olives can be substituted if needed.
- Cucumbers - Any variety works. If the skin is thick, consider peeling or partially peeling for the salad.
- Tomatoes - Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal, but diced slicing tomatoes work too.
- Feta Cheese - Adds a classic Mediterranean flavor.
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
How To Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Orzo
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad comes together quickly with just a few simple steps.
- Add the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions and olives to a large bowl.
- Stir in the cooked orzo until fully combined.
- Mix together the dressing ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad, stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the feta cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
See the recipe card below for the full recipe.
What To Serve with Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This pasta salad with orzo pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted proteins. I love serving it with grilled chicken, and this herb crusted pork tenderloin.
👉 Sky's Tips
- This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
- Stir well before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Stir in diced red bell peppers, jarred artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes for even more flavor and texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give the salad a good stir before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This salad is perfect for making ahead and actually tastes better after it has chilled.
Yes. Small pasta shapes like rotini, and farfalle, work well in this pasta salad.
I hope this Mediterranean Pasta Salad makes its way to your table soon. It's fresh, flavorful, and one of those recipes you'll find yourself making again and again.
-Sky🩷
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📖 Recipe
Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo dry
- ½ cup red onion small diced
- ½ cup kalamata olives halved
- 1 cup cucumbers quartered & sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
- ½ cup feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Greek Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons honey
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano fresh or dried
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to the package directions. Strain in a colander. Run cold water over the pasta to stop the cooking.
- In a large bowl combine the onions, olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
- Stir in the cooked and cooled orzo until fully combined.
- In a small bowl combine all of the ingredients for the dressing. Whisk to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and stir to combine. Gently fold in the feta cheese and garnish with parsley. For best results, refrigerate for several hours before serving. Stir well before serving. Enjoy!
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