Easy Orzo Salad

Summertime calls for simple, refreshing meals, and this Easy Orzo Salad fits the bill perfectly. It’s a delightful combination of tender orzo pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing. This orzo pasta salad is a family favorite for potlucks and BBQs!

This Easy Orzo Salad recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adapt it to your liking by swapping out the veggies, adding protein, or using different herbs. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish – perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love It

This Easy Orzo Salad is more than just a simple side dish—it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and textures. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking time and basic ingredients. The lemony dressing adds a bright, zesty touch, while the combination of fresh veggies and herbs creates a delightful crunch. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a potluck favorite, or a refreshing picnic dish, this Orzo Salad is a winner every time.

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What You’ll Need

This Easy Orzo Salad comes together with just a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Orzo Pasta: The star of the show! Orzo is a small rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly. It has a lovely texture that soaks up all the flavors in the dressing.
• Fresh Veggies: Cucumber and tomatoes add a refreshing crunch. You can use cherry tomatoes or regular diced tomatoes.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill bring a vibrant flavor to the salad.
• Olives and Artichokes: Pitted olives (Kalamata or black) and artichoke hearts add a salty, briny kick.
• Lemon Dressing: A simple dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey perfectly complements the orzo and vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the orzo is cooking, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste.

Step 3: Combine Orzo and Dressing

Add the drained orzo to the bowl with the lemon dressing and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for a few minutes so the orzo can absorb the flavors of the dressing.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Herbs

Stir in the diced cucumber, tomatoes, chopped fresh herbs, halved olives, and artichoke hearts. Gently mix everything together.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. Serve the orzo salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for a later time. It’s equally delicious warm or cold!

Better-Than-Grandma Tips

• Make it ahead: This salad is even more flavorful when made ahead of time. Prepare it a few hours in advance or even the day before, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Consider adding delicate ingredients like tomatoes right before serving to maintain their freshness. For more tips on making delicious salads, take a look at our Desserts page.
• Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs! Mint, dill, basil, and chives all make wonderful additions. If you’re using dried herbs, use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe.
• Artichokes: Marinated artichoke hearts add a lovely tangy flavor, but regular artichoke hearts work equally well. Just be sure to drain them properly before adding them to the salad.

Try These Variations

• Mediterranean Orzo Salad: Add feta cheese, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean twist. You could even try our Breakfast recipes alongside!
• Greek Orzo Salad: Include crumbled feta cheese, chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, and a simple vinaigrette dressing. Serve this salad as a light side for other main dishes, or add grilled chicken or shrimp to it for a more robust meal.
• Italian Orzo Salad: Toss the orzo with pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil. This variation takes inspiration from classic Italian caprese salad, bringing fresh mozzarella and pesto into the mix.

How to Serve

This Easy Orzo Salad is a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, fish, or chicken. It also makes a light and satisfying lunch on its own. You can pack it for picnics, potlucks, or even bring it to the office. Check out our collection of summer recipes for more refreshing ideas. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad. A dollop of hummus or a side of crusty bread would also complement this flavorful orzo pasta salad beautifully.

That’s a Wrap

This Easy Orzo Salad is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light and refreshing weeknight dinner. The bright flavors and vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. It’s so versatile and easy to customize. Until next time, happy cooking!

For more easy salad recipes, check out our Lunch category. Come say hello on Facebook and Instagram for more recipe inspiration!