4.3 from 12 votes
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
The bold, fresh flavors of Greek food are my favorite for a hot summer night and this Greek Orzo Salad does the trick nicely. Loaded with tender orzo and crisp veggies, dressed with a tangy and bright dressing, this is one of our go-to side dishes.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 25 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 338 kcal
Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
Greek
Ingredients
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
- 3/4 cup prepared Greek dressing divided
- ½ cup prepared tzatziki sauce
- ½ large red onion finely diced
- 1 large tomato chopped
- 1/2 English cucumber chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper chopped
- ½ cup crumbled Feta cheese
- ½ cup black or kalamata olives sliced
- ¼ cup fresh dill roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package directions, about 9 minutes. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water until pasta is mostly cooled, but still slightly warm.
- Add cooked orzo to a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the dressing while pasta is still a bit warm. Toss to coat.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients and stir well to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Toss just before serving, adding extra dressing if needed.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Ditalini, rotini, or bowtie pasta would all make a fine substitute for the orzo.
- To make for a more mellow flavored onion, soak the diced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes before adding to the pasta salad.
- We prefer our homemade Greek dressing, but store-bought will work fine as well. Just taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- We're using black olives here, but kalamata olives are a more traditional option. We've just been having a hard time finding them lately.
- We usually end up adding a bit more dressing and feta after chilling in the fridge. The orzo soaks up some of the dressing as it chills and we like lots of feta.
Nutrition Information
Calories
338kcal
(17%)
Carbohydrates
37g
(12%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
18g
(28%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
6g
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
Cholesterol
14mg
(5%)
Sodium
811mg
(34%)
Potassium
323mg
(9%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
1255IU
(25%)
Vitamin C
69mg
(77%)
Calcium
120mg
(12%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 338
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 338kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 14mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 811mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 323mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1255IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 69mg | 77% |
| Calcium | 120mg | 12% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.