Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad

A bright, fresh, and delicious Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad that makes the perfect side dish or light meal. This dish is packed with fresh vegetables, orzo pasta, and topped off with a homemade lemon-herb dressing for the perfect Greek-inspired salad.

Why I Came Up With and Love This Recipe

When I was working in retail one of my go-to meals was a Greek pasta salad at the mall. I knew once I left that job I would have to try and recreate the salad at home, and I finally nailed it.

I love to make this salad in the summer when I have fresh vegetables from my garden, but it's also easy to make any time of year with basic ingredients. The part of this recipe that took me a while to figure out was the dressing that pulls the whole thing together.

I finally found a delicious combination of herbs, fresh lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil that not only works perfectly in this dish but is also just a great salad dressing to have in your arsenal. Check out my Lemon Herb Salad Dressing or find the link in the recipe card.

Ingredients Needed to Make Lemon Orzo Salad

The photo below is of the salad ingredients as well as the Lemon Herb Salad Dressing ingredients. You really only need a handful of ingredients to make this orzo salad.

Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add a burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color to the orzo pasta salad. They are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.

Red Onion: Red onion brings a sharp and slightly sweet flavor to the salad. It adds a crunchy texture and a pop of color.

Green Bell Pepper: Green bell pepper provides a crisp and refreshing element to the salad. It adds a mild, slightly tangy taste.

Cucumber: Cucumber adds a cool and refreshing crunch to the orzo pasta salad. It is hydrating and contributes a subtle, fresh flavor.

Greek Olives: Greek olives add a briny and savory element to the salad. They provide a rich flavor and pleasant saltiness.

Boxed Orzo Pasta: Orzo pasta is a small, rice-shaped pasta that is perfect for salads. It cooks quickly, has a smooth texture, and tastes wonderful cold.

Feta Cheese: Feta cheese adds a tangy and salty taste to the orzo pasta salad. It has a crumbly texture and enhances the overall Mediterranean flavor.

Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bright and zesty flavor to the salad. It's highly recommended to use freshly squeezed juice since bottled juice has extra additives.

Dried Oregano: Dried oregano contributes an earthy and aromatic flavor to the orzo pasta salad. It is a common herb used in Mediterranean cuisine.

Garlic Clove: Garlic brings a pungent and savory taste to the salad. It adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

Kosher Salt: Kosher salt enhances the flavors of the ingredients and helps to season the salad properly. I always recommend kosher salt because it dissolves easily and evenly and has a milder saltiness.

Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Black pepper adds mild heat and subtle spiciness to the orzo pasta salad. It complements the other flavors.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is used to dress the salad, providing richness and a smooth texture. It adds a distinct fruity and peppery flavor.

How to Make This Greek Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe

If you haven't made or bought the dressing yet, make the lemon herb salad dressing. Clean and cut the cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and greek olives.

Cook the orzo pasta according to the box instructions. Give the pasta a quick rinse with cold water and set it aside.

In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta and all of the prepared vegetables. Pour in ¼ cup of the dressing and stir to combine. Continue to add the dressing to taste.

Pour in the crumbled feta cheese and stir to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour. Overnight is best to allow all of the flavors to blend together.

Substitutions and Variations to this Lemony Greek Pasta Salad

Although I highly recommend making your own dressing, you can use store-bought dressing and save yourself a step. And if you don't want the lemon flavor, you can use red wine or balsamic vinegar, just add to taste in place of the lemon juice.

If you don't have or like Greek olives, you can use black olives.

Cherry tomatoes work so well in this salad because they are nice and sweet and the perfect size for slicing. But, you can also use any tomato and still have a delicious salad.

Orzo pasta works well in this dish because of its size. The small pasta makes it possible to get more of the other flavors in each bite. However, you can also make this with other types of pasta like bowtie or elbow to name a few.

Did You Make this Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad

If you get a chance to make this Greek Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below. You can also tag me on Instagram. or Facebook.

If you want even more fun and delicious recipes, sign up for my email list and follow me on Pinterest so you never miss a recipe!