• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Hummusapien logo
  • RECIPES
    • RECIPE INDEX
    • DIET >
      • Vegan
      • Gluten Free
      • Vegetarian
      • Dairy Free
      • Nut Free
      • Grain Free
    • METHOD >
      • 30 Minute
      • One Pot
      • No Bake
      • Baking
      • Instant Pot
    • BREAKFAST
    • SNACKS
    • MAINS
    • SOUPS
    • SALADS
    • DESSERT
    • SIDE DISHES
    • DRINKS
    • BABY AND TODDLER
    • SEASON >
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
    • HOLIDAY >
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
      • Mother's Day Brunch
      • Fourth of July
    • ROUND UPS
  • DINNER
  • DESSERT
  • LIFESTYLE
    • MOTHERHOOD
    • SHOP
    • HOME DECOR
    • MUST READS
    • TRAVEL
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • HOME
  • RECIPE INDEX
  • DIET TYPE
  • DINNER
  • DESSERT
  • SUBSCRIBE
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • Γ—

    Hummusapien Β» Recipes Β» Lunch and Dinner Β» Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

    Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

    Published Sep 10, 2013 Β· Modified Nov 8, 2021 Β· by Alexis Joseph Β· 23 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    You know when some one asks you to bring a side dish but you don't feel like busting your behind in the kitchen?

    greeksaladpicmonkey

    Make this.

    You know when you want something tasty and healthy for din din but you'd rather watch the Master Chef finale (while downing popcorn popped in coconut oil) than spend the evening slaving away in the kitchen?

    Yep. Make this.

    Introducing yet another recipe inspired by my boyfriend's fabulous mama! The other night, she made a light orzo salad from the newspaper that I absolutely adored. I (of course) wanted to healthify it, but I (of course) accidentally deleted the text she sent me with the recipe.  All I remembered was that the original version had a whopping ⅓ cup of olive oil. Needless to say, I got it down to one little tablespoon in this recipe. Magic, people.

    greeksalad3

    Just like the strawberry pecan salad with maple dressing that I shared last week, this one is a real party pleaser. It's one of those easy dishes that everyone loves. Win for the cook and win for the eaters. The best part is that it's SO simple to make. Like, dinner in minutes guys.

    Whereas pasta dishes usually make you feel a bit heavy, the bright flavors of this bad boy are perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Eat it over mixed greens with grilled tofu, chicken, salmon, shrimp or chickpeas. Toss in a handful of fresh herbs.

    Add dried basil, oregano or broccoli.  The bottom line is that can totally customize this salad according to whatever you have on hand.

    I was pleasantly surprised to find 100% whole wheat orzo at Whole Foods, but regular orzo will work in a pinch too.

    Hey, you. Make this.

    greeksalad2

    Print
    clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

    Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

    • Author: Alexis Joseph | Hummusapien
    • Prep Time: 10 mins
    • Cook Time: 10 mins
    • Total Time: 20 mins
    • Yield: 4 1x
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 cup uncooked whole-wheat orzo
    • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
    • 1 bell pepper, chopped
    • 1 cup spinach, chopped
    • ¼ red onion, finely chopped
    • ¼ cup kalamata olives, chopped
    • ⅓ cup feta cheese (optional)
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • juice of a lemon
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • Pepper to taste

    Instructions

    1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
    2. While the orzo is cooking, chop the tomato, pepper, spinach, red onion and kalamata olives. Add veggies to a large bowl along with the feta, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper.
    3. Once orzo has cooled, add to the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine. This salad is best served cold.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @hummusapien on Instagram. I love sharing what you make!

     

    About Alexis Joseph

    Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!

    5 Secrets to Delish, Healthy Lunches

    Reader Interactions

      Leave a comment & rating! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Emilie says

      February 24, 2015 at 12:00 am

      AHHHH! So glad I found your blog today because I want to cook ALL THE THINGS especially this pasta salad because I've been looking for a Greek Orzo pasta salad after having a delicious one at Whole Foods. Can't wait to try it!!!!!
      Welcome to my list of favorite blogs πŸ™‚

      Reply
    2. elle | nutritionella says

      September 30, 2013 at 8:22 pm

      Yum! I've totally fallen off the bring-my-lunch-to-work wagon. Salads like this could very well convince me get back on track. πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 30, 2013 at 11:13 pm

        This is such a lunchable salad...yay for getting back on track! I definitely know what it feels like to fall off that wagon. Peanut butter and jellies happen...lots.

        Reply
    3. Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says

      September 12, 2013 at 8:29 pm

      This looks beautiful and tasty and I want to eat it right now! I don't think I've ever seen WW orzo--I'm going to have to look for that!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 13, 2013 at 12:02 am

        I was so excited to discover it!!

        Reply
    4. Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says

      September 12, 2013 at 9:58 am

      I haven't made Orzo in years. In fact, I kind of totally forgot about it. This is a great recipe to try to start making it again. I love all the veggies, and I especially love the kalamata olives.

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 12, 2013 at 10:05 am

        I had actually never made orzo prior to this recipe! PS--I just bought a vidalia chopping wizard thanks to you πŸ™‚ Can't wait to use it!!

        Reply
        • Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says

          September 12, 2013 at 10:10 am

          Yay!!! You're seriously going to LOVE it! πŸ™‚

          Reply
    5. Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear? says

      September 11, 2013 at 8:12 pm

      gorgeous recipe as usual πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 11, 2013 at 9:00 pm

        Thanks Jess πŸ™‚

        Reply
    6. Khushboo Thadani says

      September 11, 2013 at 2:30 pm

      I don't think I've ever cooked with orzo- I'm loving how flavorful this dish sounds! I've been on a feta kick for a while lately! This would be a great dish to make at the start of the week for quick lunches too- thanks for the inspiration :)!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 11, 2013 at 9:02 pm

        You have to try it! It's like a cross between rice and pasta, even though it's 100% semolina so it's basically just itty bitty pasta. Great for lunches!

        Reply
    7. Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog says

      September 11, 2013 at 11:57 am

      Looks delicious! I made a Spinach Parmesan orzo last night (with the WF whole wheat orzo). It was really good, but I think it would be even better with the additional veggies and olives. Guess I'll be making that recipe again.

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 11, 2013 at 9:03 pm

        Thanks, Dana! Mmmmm spinach parm sounds amaaaazing. When in doubt, add more veggies πŸ™‚

        Reply
    8. Angela @ Health's Angel says

      September 11, 2013 at 11:57 am

      Whole wheat orzo will always make me think of my parents. My mom and I have successfully converted my dad into a much healthier eater over the past year and he can't get enough WW orzo now!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 11, 2013 at 9:04 pm

        Nice!! Way to convert your dad! Whole wheat orzo is such a good stand in for a quick din.

        Reply
    9. Davida @ The Healthy Maven says

      September 11, 2013 at 11:06 am

      Gonna sub in some GF pasta and this recipe will absolutely find it's way into my kitchen! Unlike my recipes which require 1097349374 thousand steps your recipes are always so easy to make and delicious looking...I'm thinking you need to write a cookbook πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 11, 2013 at 9:07 pm

        GF orzo all the way! I hope such a thing exists cuz it sounds darn tasty:) Thanks so much for the sweet comment! That would be such a dream!!

        Reply
    10. Christine @ Gotta Eat Green says

      September 11, 2013 at 10:08 am

      Looks amazing! Surprisingly enough, I've never tried orzo! This recipe may inspire me to go pick some up! And I love that you made it lighter.. the original sounded like it had way too much oil!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 11, 2013 at 10:31 am

        You MUST try it, Christine! Starting with this recipe, of course πŸ™‚

        Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 11, 2013 at 9:09 pm

        Thanks, Christine! Let me know if you give it a try πŸ™‚

        Reply
    11. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says

      September 10, 2013 at 11:23 pm

      Yum! I love orzo and this looks so light and refreshing. I've also used the whole wheat orzo from Whole Foods and I really like it. Even better that it was inspired by your mama. πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 10, 2013 at 11:33 pm

        Thanks, Sarah! I'm all about finishing out the summer with light salads πŸ™‚

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Well HELLO there, pal! I'm Alexis. Welcome to Hummusapien, a fantastical food blog brimming with nourishing (always delish!) recipes from a Registered Dietitian plus life tidbits to inspire you to live your most joyful, balanced life. Grab a super hot cup o' joe and let's get cookin'.

    Tell me more... β†’

    Most Loved Recipes

    • Banana Zucchini Baked Oatmeal Cups
    • Easy Vegetable Teriyaki Stir Fry
    • Homemade Vegan Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta
    • Incredible Vegan Banana Bread
    • The Best Vegan Broccoli Salad Ever
    • Healthy Cream Cheese Frosting

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    • BLOG
    • ABOUT
    • CONTACT

    Join the recipe club!




    • FAQ
    • POLICIES
    • RECIPES

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright Β© Hummusapien LLC 2011-2023 Hummusapien is a registered trademark of Hummusapien LLC.