Name: Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 16 oz. uncooked orzo pasta; 2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/2 red onion, chopped; 2 ears grilled corn, kernels removed; 1 English cucumber, sliced and quartered; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/2 cup feta; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 TBS fresh dill, parsley, oregano or 1 tsp each dried; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper

Get ready to fall in love with a salad that’s so much more than a side dish! This Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta is bursting with Mediterranean color and sun-kissed flavor. Tender orzo, sweet charred corn, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and briny olives come together with creamy feta and a zippy herb vinaigrette. Each bite offers a celebration of freshness, making this dish an absolute showstopper at potlucks, picnics, or even as your go-to light lunch. Trust me—once you try this vibrant Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta, it’ll become a regular in your warm-weather rotation!

Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta brings something special to the bowl—whether it’s crunch, creaminess, a burst of tang, or a vibrant shade of green. Gather up these building blocks, and you’ll see just how easy it is to create irresistible flavor and beautiful color!

Orzo pasta: The short, rice-shaped pasta brings a wonderful chew and is the perfect base for soaking up all those flavors.
Olive oil: Adds richness to the orzo while also keeping it beautifully glossy and moist.
Unsalted butter: Gives the orzo a subtle, buttery depth that takes the flavor up a notch.
Low sodium chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with savory notes while it cooks.
Lemon juice: A splash of brightness that ties all the Mediterranean elements together.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to let all the fresh ingredients shine.
Red onion: Brings a sharp, crisp bite that balances the sweetness of the corn and bell pepper.
Grilled corn: Adds smoky-sweet flavor and a juicy pop in every forkful—grilling is optional but highly recommended for extra character.
English cucumber: Fresh, crisp, and ultra-refreshing, cucumber brings a fantastic crunch.
Red bell pepper: Sweetness and color all in one vibrant ingredient.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, slightly tangy, and oh-so-colorful, these tomatoes burst with every bite.
Garbanzo beans (chickpeas): They add protein and a creamy, hearty texture that rounds out the salad.
Kalamata olives: Bring a salty, briny punch that’s quintessentially Mediterranean.
Sliced almonds: Offer a delicate crunch and nutty richness to every mouthful.
Fresh basil: An aromatic hit of green freshness that brightens up the entire salad.
Feta cheese: Creamy, salty, and tangy—feta is the heart and soul of this dish.
Extra virgin olive oil (for dressing): The smooth base for a luscious, herb-filled vinaigrette.
Red wine vinegar: Lends a subtle tartness that wakes everything up.
Dijon mustard: For a hint of savory warmth in the vinaigrette.
Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, oregano): Pick your favorites—fresh or dried—to add layers of herbaceous flavor.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity of the dressing.
Garlic powder: For a mild, background garlicky note that won’t overpower.

How to Make Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta

Step 1: Whip Up the Herbal Vinaigrette

The secret to this Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta is a lively, herb-packed dressing. Whisk or shake together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh or dried herbs, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stash it in the refrigerator while you prep—this helps the flavors meld and intensify for zesty goodness later on.

Step 2: Sauté Orzo and Onion to Golden Perfection

Melt butter with olive oil in a roomy skillet, then add the dry orzo and chopped red onion. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the orzo turns golden and the onions soften, releasing their sweet aroma. This simple step loads up the pasta with flavor and gives it a toasted, nutty undertone you can’t get from boiling alone!

Step 3: Simmer Orzo to Al Dente Tenderness

Time for the pasta to soak up flavor! Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, letting everything simmer until the orzo is wonderfully al dente—about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir frequently near the end to prevent sticking or burning. If liquid remains, simply drain the pasta. As soon as it’s done, transfer the orzo to a big bowl and give it time to cool in the fridge while you prep your veggies.

Step 4: Prep All the Colorful Veggies

While the orzo is chilling, chop, halve, and quarter your veggies—cucumber, tomatoes, grilled corn, and red bell pepper. Slice those Kalamata olives and fresh basil, drain the chickpeas, and get your almonds and feta ready. Trust me, prepping everything ahead makes assembly a breeze and ensures every bite is perfectly balanced and fresh.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add your cooled orzo to a huge serving bowl. Toss in all your vibrant veggies, beans, olives, nuts, and a generous handful of crumbled feta. Drizzle over the herby vinaigrette and toss gently until every ingredient is coated. Give it a taste and adjust with extra lemon juice, salt, or pepper as your heart desires!

How to Serve Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta

Garnishes

A final flourish can take this Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta from fabulous to unforgettable! Top with an extra sprinkle of crumbled feta, a scattering of sliced almonds, or a few fresh basil leaves for color. A twist of cracked black pepper or a dash of lemon zest brightens things up and adds a restaurant-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

This salad is incredibly versatile, so it pairs perfectly with just about anything. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a classic Mediterranean feast, set it next to warm pita, a platter of hummus, or a simple Greek salad—the flavors all sing together beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not let your Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta steal the show? For parties or picnics, try serving it in crisp lettuce cups or portioned out in individual mason jars for easy grab-and-go. You can also layer it in a clear glass bowl to show off all those colorful, fresh ingredients—a true edible centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two or three days. If it dries out a bit, simply drizzle with extra olive oil or a quick squeeze of lemon to revive the flavors. In fact, some say it tastes even better after a little time for the flavors to mingle!

Freezing

While technically possible, freezing is not recommended for this salad; the fresh veggies and feta just don’t retain their texture after thawing. If you do plan to freeze a batch, hold off on adding the fresh ingredients and dressing until after you defrost the orzo—this helps preserve as much freshness as possible.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer, a quick zap in the microwave (just 10–15 seconds) can take the chill off and make the flavors pop. Don’t overheat, though, as you’ll want to keep everything crisp and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I make Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make the orzo and chop the veggies up to a day or two in advance. For the best texture, toss everything together with only half the dressing, and save the rest to add just before serving—this keeps it from drying out.

Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and this Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta is completely vegetarian without sacrificing any of its Mediterranean flair.

Can I add protein to make it a meal?

Definitely—grilled chicken, shrimp, or even flaked tuna make wonderful additions. You can also add extra chickpeas or white beans for a heartier vegetarian option.

Do I have to char the corn?

Charring the corn adds a smoky layer of flavor that’s truly irresistible, but if you’re short on time, raw corn kernels are sweet, juicy, and perfectly delicious. Use the best corn you can find for maximum flavor.

How long does Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta last in the fridge?

When stored tightly covered, this salad stays fresh for up to three days. If it starts to dry out, just add a drizzle of olive oil or a fresh burst of lemon juice before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add a little Mediterranean magic to your table, don’t wait another day—try this Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Feta! It’s bright, beautiful, and so satisfying you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Here’s to unforgettable flavors and stress-free gatherings!