The Ultimate Greek Orzo Salad with Fresh Tomatoes, Feta, and Kalamata Olives
Transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched Greek islands with this vibrant and incredibly satisfying Greek Orzo Salad. This Mediterranean masterpiece combines tender orzo pasta with the bold, authentic flavors of Greece – juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, briny Kalamata olives, and aromatic fresh basil. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, preparing meal prep for the week, or looking for the perfect side dish for your next gathering, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with surprisingly simple preparation.
The beauty of this Greek orzo salad lies in its versatility and the harmony of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying. The orzo pasta provides a perfect canvas, absorbing the flavors of the olive oil dressing while maintaining its delightful texture. Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness, contrasting beautifully with the salty richness of authentic Greek feta cheese and the distinctive flavor of Kalamata olives.
What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to improve with time. Unlike many pasta salads that lose their appeal after sitting, this Greek orzo salad actually develops more complex flavors as the ingredients meld together. The fresh basil infuses the entire dish with its aromatic essence, while the olive oil-based dressing creates a luxurious coating that brings everything together in perfect harmony.
This Mediterranean-inspired dish is not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced. The orzo provides satisfying carbohydrates, while the feta cheese contributes protein and calcium. The olive oil delivers healthy monounsaturated fats, and the abundance of fresh vegetables adds essential vitamins and antioxidants. It’s a complete meal that nourishes both body and soul.
The preparation process is refreshingly straightforward, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. The most time-consuming part is simply cooking the orzo pasta, and even that requires minimal attention. Once the pasta is cooked and cooled, the assembly becomes a joyful process of combining beautiful, colorful ingredients that create an Instagram-worthy dish.
This recipe serves as an excellent foundation for customization. Feel free to add roasted red peppers for extra sweetness, cucumber for additional crunch, or red onion for a sharp bite. Some variations include adding chickpeas for extra protein or sun-dried tomatoes for an intensified tomato flavor. The beauty of Mediterranean cooking lies in its flexibility and use of seasonal ingredients.
Perfect for entertaining, this Greek orzo salad can be prepared hours or even a day in advance, making it an ideal choice for busy hosts. It travels well to potlucks, picnics, and outdoor gatherings, and it’s equally at home as a light lunch or a substantial side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.
The combination of textures in this salad is particularly noteworthy. The tender orzo contrasts beautifully with the firm cherry tomatoes, creamy feta crumbles, and meaty olives. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors and textures that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 pound orzo pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (optional)
Instructions
- Cook orzo pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- While pasta cooks, prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled orzo pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- Add the halved Kalamata olives and finely diced red onion to the pasta mixture, tossing gently to incorporate.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, being careful not to break it up too much while ensuring even distribution.
- Add the chopped fresh basil leaves and toss one final time to distribute the herbs throughout the salad.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts if using, and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for presentation.
Tips for Perfect Greek Orzo Salad
The key to exceptional Greek orzo salad lies in using high-quality ingredients. Invest in good extra virgin olive oil, authentic Greek feta cheese, and genuine Kalamata olives. These premium ingredients make a noticeable difference in the final flavor profile.
Don’t overcook the orzo pasta. It should be tender but still have a slight bite, as it will continue to absorb flavors and soften slightly as it sits in the dressing. Rinsing the cooked pasta with cold water immediately stops the cooking process and prevents overcooking.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Greek orzo salad actually improves with time, making it perfect for meal prep or advance preparation. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify, creating an even more delicious dish.
Before serving leftover salad, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes and give it a good stir. You may want to add a splash of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil to refresh the flavors.
Greek Orzo Salad with Tomatoes, Feta, and Kalamata Olives
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook orzo pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- While pasta cooks, prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled orzo pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- Add the halved Kalamata olives and finely diced red onion to the pasta mixture, tossing gently to incorporate.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, being careful not to break it up too much while ensuring even distribution.
- Add the chopped fresh basil leaves and toss one final time to distribute the herbs throughout the salad.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts if using, and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for presentation.
Notes
Nutritional Benefits
This Mediterranean-inspired dish offers numerous health benefits. The olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the tomatoes are rich in lycopene and vitamin C. Feta cheese contributes protein and calcium, and the fresh herbs provide antioxidants and essential nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Greek orzo salad as a light main course for lunch or dinner, or as a substantial side dish alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. It pairs beautifully with other Mediterranean dishes and is perfect for outdoor dining and summer entertaining.
