Greek Orzo Salad with Feta
This recipe is a spinoff of my Greek Lemon Chicken and Orzo, which was one of my personal favorite recipes. I just had to make it again, but with a twist. This version is vegetarian, and would be vegan if you kept the feta cheese out or used a vegan cheese. You’ll never miss the meat (or chicken) in this salad because there are so many awesome layers of flavors and textures. The orzo is perfectly al dente, plus there are lightly caramelized onions, sautéed zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, fresh spinach, garbanzo beans for protein, and the lemon-basil combo is right up our alley. Between lemon juice, lemon zest, basil, Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic, and onions, I’m telling you the flavor factor in this dish is at a Level Ten. The feta cheese is so well-suited for this Greek orzo recipe. It pairs excellently with the lemon notes in this dish and even if you’re not the biggest feta fan because it can be strong and sharp, I wouldn’t omit it unless you’re trying to keep this vegan. It really makes the finished dish taste even better.
What’s in the Greek Orzo Salad?
To make this lemon orzo pasta salad with feta, you’ll need:
Orzo Olive oil Sweet Vidalia onion Zucchini Garbanzo beans Italian seasoning Dried oregano Garlic Spinach Cucumber Cherry tomatoes Fresh basil Lemon juice and zest Feta cheese
How to Make Greek Orzo Salad
First, boil the orzo. While that’s going, sauté an onion, then add zucchini, garbanzo beans, garlic, and season everything generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and oregano. To a very large bowl, add the cooked and drained orzo, onion mixture, along with fresh spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, lemon zest, lemon juice, and basil. Taste it and don’t be afraid to add more salt and pepper since this dish is a zillion times better when properly seasoned and also because you have a humongous bowl of food. Add crumbled feta for a classic Greek touch. If you add it when the orzo and other ingredients are still warm, it will likely melt a bit. If you want to retain visible crumbles, wait a bit until things have cooled down. Either way, the taste is awesome, and this is more of a visual consideration. Finally, drizzle in additional olive oil, to taste. This enhances the flavor and it prevents the orzo from sticking as it cools.
Can This Recipe Be Made in Advance?
Yes, you’re welcome to make this lemon orzo salad in advance. It will last up to 5 days in the fridge, noting that the vegetables soften over time.
Can I Add Chicken to This Salad?
Yes! Feel free to add meal prepped or grilled chicken to this recipe to bulk it up even more.
Tips for Making Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
Since this is a ‘pasta salad’, there are no rules in my book about what substitutions or additions you can make. Add green onions, red or marinated bell peppers, marinated artichokes, or olives are just a few additions that would be lovely. I used English cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, but if you have a garden full of regular cucumbers and regular tomatoes, go for it. This salad will help you enjoy the bounty of your garden when that time of the year is upon us.
More Summer Salad Recipes:
Greek Lemon Chicken and Orzo – EASY, ready in 25 minutes, and feeds a crowd!! Juicy lemon chicken with orzo, fresh spinach, cucumbers, and tomatoes make this a dinnertime WINNER! Great for parties, picnics, and potlucks!! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes!
Lemon Basil Orzo and Vegetables – An EASY vegan recipe ready in 30 minutes that makes it easy to eat your veggies while enjoying the comforts of pasta, too!! The lemon and basil make the dish taste fresh and light!!
Chicken Orzo Salad – Juicy chicken tossed with orzo, tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, and a super flavorful lemon vinaigrette!! Easy, healthy, ready in 30 minutes, and a perfect way to use your garden fresh veggies!!
Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Quinoa Salad – Trying to keep meals healthier and lighter? Make this easy, refreshing, and satisfying salad!
Lemon, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Almond Quinoa Salad – Fast, easy, and fresh! Bright flavors and loads of texture! This clean-eating salad keeps you full and satisfied! Healthy never tasted so good!
Tabbouleh – Never had it? Think couscous or quinoa mixed with vegetables, herbs, lemon and olive oil! Easy, no cooking required, healthy, and packed with so much flavor!
