With over five highly-rated orzo recipes to my name, I introduce the latest – my Orzo Pasta Salad. Perfect for meal prep, it’s the ultimate vegetarian lunch for busy workers.

If you love pasta salads, check out chicken pesto pasta salad or Italian pasta salad.

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One Year Later, I’m Still Making Orzo Salad Recipe with Feta Every Week

My orzo recipes such as Lemon Orzo Salad or Spinach Orzo Salad with Artichokes have captured the attention of so many of you, with hundreds of thousands of views and positive ratings. So, I’ve crafted a new salad recipe that’s nutritious, full of energy, and great for meal prep. 

If you’ve got a busy work life, you might find it difficult to enjoy a healthy lunch. That’s where my orzo salad comes to the rescue. It’s inspired by the so popular Jennifer Aniston Salad, which I discovered last year and I’ve been making my version ever since! It’s a great salad to prepare on Sunday night for the week to come, similar to our pasta chicken salad.

And to put some pep in your step, I’ve added some special energy-boosting ingredients. They’ll keep you full throughout the afternoon. No more afternoon slump – this hearty salad recipe is here to keep you going strong.

Why You’ll Love This Orzo Salad Recipe

  • Easy to Customize – Feel free to add in extra protein such as roasted chicken or veggies to make this recipe your own.
  • Meal-Prep Magic – Perfect for busy schedules, it’s the ultimate make-ahead lunch that stays fresh and tasty.
  • Nutrient-Packed – From energy-boosting almonds to protein-rich chickpeas, every bite gives you the fuel you need to keep going. 

Orzo Feta Salad Ingredients

Check the recipe card below for more information about ingredients and quantities.

  • Orzo pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta is packed with fast-acting energy.
  • Feta cheese: Don’t buy the pre-crumbled kind. It’s much better straight from the block. 
  • Chickpeas: These nutty, creamy morsels are rich in protein and fiber. 
  • Sliced almonds: Full of healthy fats for long-lasting energy. 
  • English cucumber: A crisp, refreshing crunch to balance the other ingredients. 
  • Red onion and Green onion: Chopped finely, they bring a mild, sweet flavor. 
  • Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley and fresh mint bring a vibrant, herby freshness to the mix.
ingredients for orzo salad with feta cheese.

Orzo Feta Salad Dressing

  • Fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright, acidic touch that brings out the flavors of the orzo salad.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: Its fruity, peppery flavor is the perfect base for this orzo salad dressing.
  • Honey: A natural sweetener that helps balance the savory elements of the salad. 

How to Make Orzo Salad with Feta

You can easily make this orzo salad in less than 30 minutes. Just follow these quick steps. Look for the recipe card below for more detailed steps.

cooked orzo pasta in a glass bowl.

Step 1: Cook the orzo pasta in salted water, then rinse in cold water and let cool.

salad dressing in a glass bowl.

Step 2: Whisk the dressing ingredients together and season with salt and pepper.

orzo feta salad in a bowl with dressing.

Step 3: Mix the cooled orzo with all the other ingredients in a large bowl.

orzo salad being tossed with two spoons.

Step 4: Add the dressing, toss, and season to taste before serving. 

Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe Tips

After making so many versions of this salad, here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned:

  • Don’t overcook: Cook the orzo just right by following the instructions on the package. Aim for al dente – your pasta should still have a little bite. This way, it won’t go soggy when mixed with the other ingredients. 
  • Cool the orzo: Don’t throw the hot orzo straight in with the other ingredients. It needs to cool first. Simply rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly.
  • Add some meat: If you’re not vegetarian, you can add meat to pack in more protein. Grilled salmon or grilled chicken tenders work beautifully.
  • Meal-prep variety: If you’re meal-prepping, try adding a different dressing or protein each day: salmon with Greek salad dressing on Tuesday, chicken and red wine vinaigrette on Wednesday – why not?

How to Serve Orzo Salad with Feta

While this salad makes an awesome packed lunch, it also works great as part of a BBQ spread, along with our potato salad with bacon. Take a look at what else you can serve:

  • Hummus Veggie Sandwich – Hummus, rich avocado, whole wheat bread, and a selection of special veggies make for super tasty vegetarian sandwiches. 
  • Chicken Salad Pita – Succulent chicken and fresh veggies loaded into soft pita pockets, complete with a yummy Greek dressing.
  • Parmesan Cheese Crisps – These super–easy–to–make crisps add a bit of crunch on the side. Kids will love them. 
  • Grilled Salmon Burgers – Grilled salmon chunks served on toasted baguette slices with a tasty basil mayonnaise.
  • Fresh Fruit Platter – Perfect for summer parties, just use whatever fruit is in season. 

Storing Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta

To keep your orzo salad as fresh as possible, keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. It should last for 3-4 days. 

If you’re meal prepping, here’s a good tip: Whip up four lunch portions of orzo in separate containers. Each morning, toss in the veggies and dressing. This way, everything will stay nice and fresh. You could even use a new dressing each day to change things up.

orzo salad recipe with feta in a bowl with a side of spoon.

Orzo Salad Recipe with Feta FAQs

Should orzo be rinsed before cooking?

There’s no need to rinse the orzo before cooking. Much like other kinds of pasta, you should cook it directly in boiling water. 

Rinsing pasta before cooking isn’t common, and orzo is no different. 

Does orzo taste like pasta or rice?

Orzo might resemble rice in shape, but it’s pasta through and through. 

It’s made from wheat semolina, so it’s slightly chewy and doesn’t have a strong taste. This means it’s a super versatile base for lots of different dishes, such as salads and Vegetable Orzo Soup

If you try our Orzo Salad Recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment letting us know how you liked the recipe.

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orzo salad recipe in a white bowl garnished with lemons.

Orzo Salad Recipe with Feta

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  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Cuisine: American

Description

With over five highly-rated orzo recipes to my name, I introduce the latest – my Orzo Pasta Salad. Perfect for meal prep, it’s the ultimate vegetarian lunch for busy workers.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest from 1 large lemon
  • 1 Tbsp. honey
  • Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook orzo in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. 

  2. While the orzo is cooking, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

  3. Combine the cooked orzo in a large mixing bowl with the remaining salad ingredients. Add dressing and toss to combine. Taste the salad and add more salt and pepper if needed. Salad is best served at room temperature. Leftovers will store well for up to 3 days. 


Notes

  • Leftovers: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 462
  • Sugar: 6.4 g
  • Sodium: 443.1 mg
  • Fat: 31.8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35.4 g
  • Protein: 13 g
  • Cholesterol: 22.3 mg