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The 13 Best Easy and Delicious Orzo Salad Recipes
Sometimes I like to build a bowl that feels fresh and bright. Orzo salad does that in the easiest way because the tiny pasta carries all the flavors without feeling heavy. I make it when I want something quick that still looks pretty on the table, and the way the veggies and herbs fold into the warm orzo makes the whole dish feel like a small summer moment, even if it is not summer at all. That is why it became one of my go-to recipes.
You can serve orzo salad with baked salmon for a clean and balanced plate, or you can place it next to leftover mashed potatoes for a fun mix of textures. You can pair it with shrimp soup for a comforting, warm-and-cool combo, or offer it next to lemon cookies for a fresh, sweet finish.
13. Lemon & Veggie Orzo Salad
This orzo salad with lemon and fresh vegetables is light and refreshing and can be made quickly and easily. It combines cooked orzo with crisp cucumber and cherry tomatoes and a simple lemon dressing, making it healthy and flavorful, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- Orzo
- Cherry tomatoes, chopped
- Cucumber, chopped
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Directions
- Cook orzo according to package instructions and drain.
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, then add the orzo.
- Add the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, and toss gently. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
12. Greek Orzo Salad
This Greek-style orzo salad combines orzo with olives, feta, cucumber, and tomatoes, creating a flavorful Mediterranean dish that is fresh and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Orzo
- Kalamata olives, chopped
- Cucumber, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Feta cheese, cubed
- Olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper
Directions
- Cook orzo and let it cool slightly.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Toss the orzo with olives, cucumber, and tomatoes, then add feta and dressing, and mix gently before serving.
11. Italian Orzo Salad with Mozzarella and Veggies
This Italian orzo salad is perfect for lunch or a side dish. It mixes orzo with mozzarella, roasted or sautéed vegetables, and cherry tomatoes, and it is easy to make and full of Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- Orzo
- Mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Roasted red peppers
- Black olives
- Olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano
Directions
- Cook orzo until al dente and drain.
- Sauté garlic and roasted red peppers in olive oil until tender, then add to orzo.
- Mix in mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, and dressing, toss gently, then serve.
10. Rainbow Orzo Salad with Veggies and Feta
This colorful orzo salad features orange and yellow peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta. It is perfect for summer picnics or as a fresh side dish, looking as vibrant as it tastes.
Ingredients
- Orzo
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Orange bell pepper, chopped
- Yellow bell pepper, chopped
- Cucumber, chopped
- Red onion, optional
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper
Directions
- Cook orzo, then cool quickly with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine all vegetables, basil, and feta with the orzo.
- Add dressing, toss gently, and chill before serving.
9. Super Orzo Salad with Veggies, Almonds, and Avocado
This healthy orzo salad combines nutrient-rich almonds, avocado, and green veggies. It makes a satisfying meal or side dish, easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat orzo
- Toasted almonds
- Avocado, chopped
- Cucumber, chopped
- Broccoli or sprouts
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Directions
- Cook orzo and let it cool.
- Combine almonds, avocado, cucumber, broccoli, and orzo in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, toss gently, and serve immediately or chilled.
8. Caprese Orzo Salad with Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil
This orzo salad inspired by Caprese combines cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil with a balsamic dressing. It is simple yet elegant, perfect for summer meals.
Ingredients
- Orzo
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Mini mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper
Directions
- Cook orzo and allow to cool slightly.
- Make the dressing with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss orzo with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and dressing gently and serve.
7. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Chickpeas and Olives
This orzo salad has a Mediterranean twist with chickpeas, olives, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. It is hearty, healthy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- Orzo
- Chickpeas, drained
- Cherry tomatoes
- Chopped olives
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper
Directions
- Cook orzo and let it cool.
- Combine chickpeas, olives, tomatoes, onion, and parsley in a large bowl.
- Add dressing, toss gently with orzo, and serve chilled.
6. Orzo Salad with Sautéed Veggies and Garlic
This orzo salad combines sautéed zucchini, garlic, and cherry tomatoes with orzo, giving it a deep flavor profile perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- Orzo
- Zucchini, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Mini mozzarella balls
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olives, basil, salt, and pepper
Directions
- Cook orzo and drain.
- Sauté zucchini and garlic in olive oil until tender.
- Combine orzo with vegetables, mozzarella, tomatoes, and dressing. Toss gently and serve.
5. Summer Veggie Orzo Salad with Peas
This summer orzo salad is light and refreshing, with peas, roasted or raw vegetables, and cherry tomatoes, perfect for warm-weather meals.
Ingredients
- Orzo
- Peas, lightly cooked
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red or green bell pepper, chopped
- Cucumber, chopped
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Directions
- Cook orzo and cool slightly.
- Prepare vegetables and lightly sauté if desired.
- Toss orzo with vegetables and dressing, then serve chilled or at room temperature.
4. Healthy Avocado Almond Orzo Salad
This nutritious orzo salad is made with avocado, toasted almonds, and fresh green vegetables. It can serve as a main meal or a healthy snack, and it is easy to make.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat orzo
- Avocado, chopped
- Toasted almonds
- Cucumber, chopped
- Broccoli or sprouts
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Directions
- Cook orzo and drain.
- Combine orzo with avocado, almonds, cucumber, and greens in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, toss gently, and serve immediately or chilled.
3. Pesto Veggie Orzo Salad
This orzo salad with pesto adds bold flavor with basil, nuts, and olive oil. It is slightly different from other orzo salads but very fresh and tasty.
Ingredients
- Orzo
- Pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- Zucchini or other sautéed vegetables
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil
Directions
- Cook orzo and drain.
- Mix in pesto until well coated.
- Add vegetables and tomatoes, toss gently with basil, and serve.
2. Chicken or Shrimp Orzo Salad
This orzo salad with protein uses grilled chicken or cooked shrimp and can be a complete main meal with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
Ingredients
- Orzo
- Grilled chicken breast or cooked shrimp
- Cucumber, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion, chopped
- Parsley, chopped
- Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper
Directions
- Cook and slice chicken or shrimp.
- Cook orzo and drain.
- Mix orzo with protein and vegetables, then toss with dressing and serve.
1. Leftover “Waste-Buster” Orzo Salad
This flexible orzo salad uses leftovers from your fridge and can include any vegetables, beans, cheese, or nuts you have on hand. It is fast, easy, and prevents food waste.
Ingredients
- Orzo
- Any leftover vegetables
- Beans, chickpeas, or lentils
- Cheese or nuts
- Olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and pepper
Directions
- Cook orzo and drain.
- Combine all leftover ingredients with orzo.
- Add a simple dressing, toss gently, and serve immediately or chilled.
Conclusion
If you love orzo salad, this list of 13 recipes gives you fresh, colorful, and versatile options — from light snacks to full meals, or even creative “leftover” dishes. Make sure to subscribe to my blog to get new orzo salad ideas and other healthy recipes delivered directly to you.