The Glorious Greek Orzo Salad a Taste of the Aegean

Greek Orzo recipe salad Taste of the Aegean

By Emma ClarkeSeptember 18, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever daydream about escaping to Greece? This recipe salad does just that. It's got that sun-kissed flavour, think holidays without the hassle.

This greek Orzo is simple, tasty, and transports you to the Mediterranean.

Brief Overview

Taking inspiration from that fantastic Greek Orzo recipe salad , this dish bursts with Mediterranean sunshine. It's super easy to make, taking only around 30 minutes, and serves about four people.

Perfect for a light lunch or a cracking side dish.

Main Benefits

Honestly, this recipe salad is a powerhouse of healthy goodness. This is loaded with fresh veggies, healthy fats, and is wonderfully light.

Serve it at your next BBQ to seriously impress, it's a guaranteed winner! What makes it special? The freshness, the tanginess, and the complete ease.

Let's Get Cracking on the Ingredients

Right then, let's get cracking on this! To bring this taste of the Aegean to life, you'll need a list of ingredients good enough to make even Mary Berry proud.

Here's the lineup for our glorious Greek Orzo recipe salad . Okay, you are going to be happy with this list!

Ingredients & Equipment: The Aegean Essentials

Okay, right then, let's get cracking on this! We're making my version of a recipe salad , and that means nailing the ingredients.

Think of it as building a flavor castle. You need solid foundations. I'm taking inspiration from a "recipe salad" with that Greek Orzo vibe for this Mediterranean salad recipe .

Mary Berry would approve, honestly.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Orzo Pasta: 1 cup (200g) . Quality matters. Go for a brand you trust. It should be light in color and cook up evenly.
Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (450g) , halved. Look for plump, juicy ones with a vibrant red color.
Cucumber: 1 , peeled, seeded, and diced (about 1 cup/150g diced). English cucumbers are great because they have fewer seeds.
Kalamata Olives: ½ cup (75g) , pitted and halved. The darker, the better.
Feta Cheese: 4 ounces (115g) , crumbled. Get a block of feta in brine for the best flavor.
Fresh Parsley & Mint: ¼ cup each . Fresh herbs are key for summer salad recipes.
Red Onion: ¼ cup (40g) , thinly sliced. Use a mandoline if you have one for super thin slices.

Seasoning Notes: Greek Magic

For the lemon herb vinaigrette, it's all about balance. The lemon brings the zing, the oregano the earthy warmth. Don't be afraid to adjust to your taste.

This lemon vinaigrette recipe is a keeper.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ¼ cup (60ml)
Fresh Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons (45ml)
Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . White wine vinegar works too in a pinch.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
Dried Basil: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml)
Dijon Mustard: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml)
Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Quick Substitution Options?

No oregano? Try marjoram.
No fresh lemon? Bottled will do.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for this easy salad recipe . A good knife, a big bowl, and something to cook the pasta in is all you need.

Large pot for cooking orzo
Colander for draining the pasta
Large mixing bowl
Whisk for dressing
Cutting board
Knife

I have to admit, sometimes I just use a fork to whisk the dressing. Who needs fancy tools, right? This vegetarian salad recipe and side dish salad recipes are so simple to make.

Cooking Method: The Glorious Greek Orzo Salad

Okay, right then, let's get cracking on this! Taking inspiration from a delicious recipe salad , especially that fantastic Greek Orzo , here's how we bring that Aegean sunshine to your kitchen.

Prep Steps: Get Your Greek On!

First, the essential mise en place . Honestly, prepping everything makes the whole process a breeze. Chop those veggies, crumble the feta, and measure out your vinaigrette ingredients.

This Greek orzo salad recipe is all about fresh, vibrant flavors, so use the best produce you can find! Time saving tip: Chop the cucumber and tomatoes while the orzo cooks.

Safety: Watch your fingers when chopping!

step-by-step: From Orzo to OPA!

Cook the orzo pasta according to package directions until al dente . (Approx. 8- 10 minutes) .
Drain the orzo well and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process.
Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and slice the red onion. Get those olives ready!
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, basil, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Combine the orzo, veggies, feta, and herbs in a large bowl.
Pour the dressing over the feta salad recipe and toss.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

Pro Tips: Secrets From My Kitchen

Want to make your Mediterranean salad recipe extra special? Use good quality feta. It makes a world of difference! Oh my gosh, fresh herbs are a must for this easy salad recipe .

Common mistake: Overcooking the orzo. Seriously, al dente is key. You can absolutely make this vegetarian salad recipe ahead of time.

Just hold off on the dressing until right before serving. This will prevent the salad from getting soggy. It's a perfect choice for those busy summer months when you are looking for new summer salad recipes , this can be a life saver! You know? I make a huge batch of this, and it lasts me for lunch all week.

We can also classify this recipe as a pasta salad recipe , and a side dish salad recipe .

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Recipe Salad Game!

Okay, right then, let's get cracking on this! You've got the basics for this Greek Orzo recipe salad , but let's talk about how to make it truly yours .

Taking inspiration from that fantastic Greek Orzo, here's a list of good enough to make even Mary Berry proud, combining relevance and a dash of that "je ne sais quoi": Greek orzo salad recipe , Orzo salad recipe , Feta salad recipe , Mediterranean salad recipe , Easy salad recipe , Summer salad recipes , Pasta salad

recipes , Lemon vinaigrette recipe , Vegetarian salad recipe , Side dish salad recipes .

Trust me, these tweaks make a difference!

Fab Serving Suggestions

Honestly, plating is half the battle, you know? Think beyond just dumping the recipe salad in a bowl. I like to layer mine in a clear glass bowl to show off all the gorgeous colors.

Serve it with grilled chicken or halloumi for a more filling meal. A crusty baguette is essential for mopping up that lemon vinaigrette.

And if you're feeling fancy, a chilled glass of crisp white wine goes down a treat.

Super Storage Tips

Right, nobody wants a soggy salad the next day. If you're making this ahead, store the dressing separately. It makes all the difference.

This recipe salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, though. The cucumber gets a bit weird.

Brilliant Variations

Want to mix things up? Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, skip the feta and add some toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch.

Or you can use plant based cheese as a feta subsitute for an experience closest to the original.

In the autumn, swap the cherry tomatoes for roasted butternut squash. It adds a lovely sweetness.

Nifty Nutrition Basics

This recipe salad is packed with goodness! It's got fiber from the orzo, vitamins from the veggies, and healthy fats from the olive oil.

Each serving clocks in at roughly 450 calories. It’s a pretty balanced meal. And the lemon juice? Great for boosting your immune system.

So there you have it! A few little tips and tricks to take your Greek Orzo recipe salad from good to amazing .

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe salad ahead of time? Will it get soggy?

Absolutely! This Glorious Greek Orzo Salad is perfect for making ahead. However, for the best results and to avoid a soggy salad situation (nobody wants that!), dress it right before serving.

If you're prepping in advance, store the undressed salad and the vinaigrette separately in the fridge and combine them about 30 minutes before you're ready to eat. This allows the flavors to meld without making the orzo and veggies too soft, keeping it fresher than a daisy!

What are some good substitutions for ingredients I don't have on hand in this Orzo recipe salad?

No worries, let's get resourceful! If you're out of orzo, quinoa or couscous make great substitutes. For the feta, try goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor. Don’t have red wine vinegar? White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as an alternative.

Remember, cooking is about having a go, not about adhering to rules to the letter.

How long does this recipe salad last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, this Glorious Greek Orzo Salad will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly over time, and the vegetables may soften a bit. However, it will still be delicious!

Just give it a good toss before serving and maybe add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to perk things up, just like giving it a good old 'cuppa' to wake it up!

Is this recipe salad healthy? What's the nutritional information?

Indeed! This salad is packed with goodness. It boasts lean protein from the feta, healthy fats from the olive oil, and plenty of vitamins and fiber from the vegetables. As a rough guide, each serving is around 450 calories, 15g of protein, 25g of fat, and 40g of carbohydrates.

You can easily adjust the calorie count by playing with the feta and olive oil quantities.

Can I add protein to this recipe salad to make it a complete meal?

You bet! To make this salad a complete meal, adding protein is a brilliant idea. Grilled chicken or fish are classic choices that complement the Greek flavors beautifully. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or white beans are excellent additions, and will help to keep you full for longer.

They'll soak up all that tasty dressing!

I'm making this recipe salad for a potluck. Any tips for transporting it?

Potlucks are the best, and this salad is a fantastic choice! Transporting it is a doddle. Keep the salad and dressing separate until you arrive at the potluck to prevent sogginess. Use a large, airtight container for the salad and a smaller jar or container for the vinaigrette.

Toss them together just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. You'll be the star baker, or in this case, the star salad maker!