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    Home / Recipes / Vegan Salads

    Easy Greek Orzo Salad

    Published: Apr 17, 2024 · Modified: Jul 10, 2024 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Instead of a traditional Greek salad, how about an easy Greek orzo salad? This Greek orzo pasta salad recipe is loaded with fresh, crunchy vegetables, chickpeas, and kalamata olives in a lemony dressing. All these refreshing summer flavors taste like summer in a bowl.  

    Greek pasta salad recipe in a bowl on the counter.

    When the weather starts to warm up, I crave light summer salads. Since I love pasta but like to keep it light, I made a Greek orzo salad recipe with a Mediterranean flair today. Greek orzo pasta salad loaded with fresh, crunchy vegetables with refreshing summer flavors tastes like summer in a bowl.   

    Jump to:
    • What is Orzo Pasta? 
    • How to Cook Orzo Pasta for Vegan Pasta Salad
    • Greek Orzo Salad Ingredients
    • Greek Orzo Salad Ingredient Substitutions
    • Greek Orzo Salad Dressing Ingredients
    • Greek Orzo Salad Dressing Ingredient Substitutions
    • How to Make Greek Orzo Salad
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Tips
    • Summer Vegan Salads to Enjoy! 
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    What is Orzo Pasta? 

    Orzo pasta in measuring cups on the counter.

    Although orzo looks like rice, it is actually a rice-shaped pasta. Even though traditional orzo is not gluten-free, gluten-free orzo is currently available and works well with this recipe. For instance, Delallo makes a gluten-free, corn, and rice orzo, which is fabulous.  For this Greek orzo salad recipe, though, I used regular orzo, since it was all I could find during the pandemic. 

    Unlike other pasta, orzo cooks incredibly fast, so the majority of the work for this salad is chopping the vegetables and preparing the quick and easy dressing.

    How to Cook Orzo Pasta for Vegan Pasta Salad

    I am rinsing cooked orzo pasta in a colander with cold water in the sink.
    1. Bring 4 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt to a rolling boil
    2. Add 1 ½ cups or 8 ounces uncooked orzo, stir and bring to a boil again
    3. Cover and reduce to simmer for 8 minutes
    4. Remove the orzo from heat, pour into a colander, and immediately run cold water through the colander.
    5. Drain completely and transfer cooled orzo into a bowl 

    Greek Orzo Salad Ingredients

    Greek orzo salad ingredients: orzo pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, chickpeas, red onion, mint, parsley, dill garlic, lemon zest, lemon, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and water
    • Orzo Pasta: Often mistaken for rice because of its shape, orzo is actually a type of pasta. Orzo falls into the category of small-shaped pasta known as "pastina." It's used widely in soups but also great for salads.
    • English Cucumber: English cucumber has fewer seeds and is less watery than other cucumbers.
    • Grape Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are sweet and the perfect bite-sized size for salads.
    • Chickpeas: Chickpeas are crunchy and provide texture and protein in the Greek orzo salad recipe.
    • Red Onion: Red onion is sweet and tangy and works well with the other ingredients in the salad.
    • Dill: I prefer fresh dill whenever possible. It brings a freshness to the salad.
    • Mint: Fresh mint adds even more flavor.
    • Kalamata Olives: Kalamata olives are tangy and salty and deepen the flavors of the salad.
    • Red Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers are sweet and beautiful in this salad.

    Greek Orzo Salad Ingredient Substitutions

    • Like Orzo, ditalini is also considered a “patina” or “little pasta. This is my favorite substitute for orzo.
    • Substitute Persian cucumbers, which are similar to English cucumbers.
    • Cherry tomatoes work well in this Greek orzo salad recipe.
    • White beans, such as Navy or Cannellini beans, are similar to chickpeas in size, texture, and flavor.
    • Try green onion or shallots as a substitute for red onion.
    • The general rule is to use half the amount of fresh herbs when using dried herbs instead of fresh ones.
    • Black or green olives can replace kalamata olives.
    • Try baby bell peppers instead of red bell pepper.

    Greek Orzo Salad Dressing Ingredients

    I am juicing lemons for the salad dressing.
    • Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice is the highlight of this oil-free dressing.
    • Red Wine Vinegar: Very simply, red wine vinegar is fermented red wine. Bacteria and oxygen are added to red wine, turning it into acetic acid. This is what gives vinegar its tart flavor. Red wine vinegar is then diluted to contain about 5% acetic acid and water.
    • Water: Water acts as an emulsifier in the absence of oil.
    • Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a sharp and tangy taste to the dressing.
    • Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a deep flavor.
    • Red Pepper Flakes: The main difference between chili and red pepper flakes is the core ingredient. While red pepper flakes are made using a variety of red peppers, red chili flakes are made with only chili peppers. Red chili flakes can be stored in larger quantities and have a long shelf life.
    • Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs present in Italian seasoning, usually consists of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, with other herbs and spices, sometimes making an appearance
    • Salt and Pepper to Taste: Add salt and pepper to meet personal preference.

    Greek Orzo Salad Dressing Ingredient Substitutions

    • Use bottled lemon juice when fresh juice isn't available. To substitute the lemon zest, add ½ teaspoon more lemon juice.
    • Choose balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar instead of red wine vinegar.
    • Stone-ground mustard is similar to dijon mustard.
    • Using minced garlic gives the same taste that you get with powdered garlic. While you cook the minced garlic, it provides a fresh and pleasing aroma that is unavailable with garlic powder.
    • Cayenne pepper is similar to red pepper flakes; however, be cautious, as cayenne is much spicier than red pepper flakes.
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon dried oregano and ½ teaspoon dried basil. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon each dried basil and thyme.

    How to Make Greek Orzo Salad

    Salad in a bowl with a spoon and napkin.
    • Once the orzo is cool, place it into a bowl.
    • Add all of the salad ingredients.
    • Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl or measuring cup.
    • If eating immediately, pour all the dressing over the top, and stir.
    • If you plan to eat the Greek orzo pasta later, only add half the dressing; add the rest and stir right before serving.
    • The salad will last for 4 days, dressed in the refrigerator.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I substitute orzo for rice?

    Orzo is the perfect substitute for rice in any recipe.

    Is orzo healthier than rice?

    Rice and orzo contain high amounts of carbs and protein, so they are very similar in nutritional value.

    Is orzo healthier than pasta?

    Choose whole-grain orzo for a healthier option.

    Greek orzo pasta in a bowl on the counter

    Tips

    • Generally, it is 1 cup of uncooked orzo to 2 cups of water or broth. There is typically liquid left over after cooking that must be drained before use.
    • If there's ever been the need to cook pasta al dente, orzo makes the case because if it's overcooked, it turns to mush. Most brands say to cook the pasta for 9 to 10 minutes, but edit this back to about seven minutes and keep testing until it's barely done.
    • Orzo pasta will clump if covered for more than 15 minutes; therefore, rise in cold water and make the salad immediately rather than cooking it beforehand.
    • And for reference, one cup of dried orzo yields about two cups of cooked orzo.
    • Contrary to popular myth, adding oil to the water does not stop the pasta from sticking together. The pasta will be slippery, so your delicious sauce will not stick. Instead, add salt to the pasta water when it comes to a boil and before you add the pasta.
    • For another excellent dressing option, try citrus dressing for salads!

    For a refreshing and quick meal, try this Greek orzo salad recipe!

    Summer Vegan Salads to Enjoy! 

    • superfood salad recipe
      Superfood Salad
    • hummus salad dressing
      Quick & Easy Hummus Dressing
    • Quick and Easy Southwest Coleslaw
    • chickpea artichoke salad
      Artichoke Chickpea Salad

    If you love this Greek orzo pasta salad recipe, give us a 5-star review and comment below. We would love to hear from you!

    📖 Recipe

    Easy Greek Orzo Salad

    Kathy Carmichael
    Greek orzo pasta salad recipe is loaded with fresh, crunchy vegetables, with an oil-free lemony dressing. All these refreshing summer flavors taste like summer in a bowl.  
    4.93 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 8 minutes mins
    Total Time 18 minutes mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 297 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Greek Orzo Salad

    • 8 ounces dried orzo pasta cooked according to package instructions
    • ½ English cucumber diced
    • 1 cup grape tomatoes cut in halves
    • 15 ounces chickpeas rinsed and drained
    • 1 small red onion diced (yield ¼ cup)
    • ⅛ cup chopped fresh dill
    • ⅛ cup fresh mint chopped
    • ½ cup diced kalamata olives
    • ½ red bell pepper diced

    Oil-Free Greek Orzo Salad Dressing

    • 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice plus the zest of ½ lemon
    • 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • ¼ cup water
    • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional
    • Sea salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    Cooking Orzo Pasta

    • Bring 4 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt to a rolling boil.
    • Add 1 ½ cups or 8 ounces of uncooked orzo, stir, and boil again.
    • Cover and reduce to simmer for 8 minutes.
    • Remove the orzo from heat, pour into a colander, and immediately run cold water through the colander.
    • Drain completely and transfer the cooled orzo into a bowl.

    Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Dressing

    • Whisk the ingredients together.
    • If eating immediately, pour all the dressing over the top, and stir.
    • If you plan to eat the Greek orzo pasta later, only add half the dressing; add the rest and stir right before serving.
    • The salad will last for 4 days, dressed in the refrigerator.

    Video

    Notes

    • Generally, it is 1 cup of uncooked orzo to 2 cups of water or broth. There is typically liquid left over after cooking that must be drained before use.
    • If there's ever been the need to cook pasta al dente, orzo makes the case because if it's overcooked, it turns to mush. Most brands say to cook the pasta for 9 to 10 minutes, but edit this back to about seven minutes and keep testing until it's barely done.
    • Orzo pasta will clump if covered for more than 15 minutes; therefore, rise in cold water and make the salad immediately rather than cooking it beforehand.
    • And for reference, one cup of dried orzo yields about two cups of cooked orzo.
    • Contrary to popular myth, adding oil to the water does not stop the pasta from sticking together. The pasta will be slippery, so your delicious sauce will not stick. Instead, add salt to the pasta water when it comes to a boil and before you add the pasta.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 297kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 12gFat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 206mgPotassium: 467mgFiber: 8gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 731IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 3mg
    Tried our recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Kathy Carmichael

    Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

    www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.93 from 14 votes (12 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Karen

      May 23, 2024 at 3:34 pm

      I made this today to try it for the holiday. It was a huge hit. The only modification I made was that I added Maple Syrup to the dressing. Not much, but my taste testers (20 year olds) thought it was too strong for them. After that, they downed it like they haven't seen food before. Thanks for sharing your talents with us! We will be taste testing a bunch of your side dishes this weekend before the party. Can't wait!

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        May 23, 2024 at 3:43 pm

        Hi Karen, I'm so glad you liked the orzo salad. The maple syrup is the perfect modification to lessen the vinegar and lemon juice. Thanks for the review, and enjoy your Memorial Day weekend with your family. I appreciate the feedback.

        Reply
    2. Rachel

      April 27, 2024 at 1:51 pm

      Second time I’m making this delicious, refreshing salad for afternoon trips on boat with friends. Thank you

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        April 28, 2024 at 7:29 am

        Hi Rachel, I'm so glad you liked the orzo salad. It's a great salad to take to a party or a boat! I hope you had a great time boating.

        Reply
    3. Rachel

      April 27, 2024 at 12:34 pm

      5 stars
      Great salad for boating. Was a hit. Planning to make again for another boating day tomorrow! Thank you.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        April 28, 2024 at 7:29 am

        Hi Rachel, I hope the salad is a hit on the boat trip.

        Reply
    4. Lisa

      April 19, 2024 at 12:33 am

      5 stars
      We enjoyed this salad today. Loved all the fresh flavors and did not miss the oil that is usually in this type of salad. Will be making this again. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        April 19, 2024 at 6:37 am

        Hi Lisa, I'm glad you liked the Greek Orzo Salad. Isn't it crazy that it can taste great without any of the oil and fat we used to cook with? I appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the recipe.

        Reply
    5. Jacqueline

      August 14, 2020 at 2:21 pm

      I noticed the red bell pepper is not listed in the recipe. I look forward to trying this.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        August 14, 2020 at 7:41 pm

        Jacquine, thank so much for reaching out! You are right; it is in the description and it isn't listed again in the recipe. Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate it.

        Reply

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