This Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is one of those recipes that looks impressive but takes minimal effort — my favorite kind during busy summer weeks.

There’s something magical about traveling through the Mediterranean. The food is vibrant, fresh, and deeply flavorful. On my recent trip through Greece and Italy, I found myself constantly inspired by the simplicity of the meals—ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, briny olives, and olive oil that tasted like sunshine.

When I came home, I wanted to recreate those flavors in a dish that felt just as fresh and satisfying but easy enough for everyday life. That’s how this Greek Orzo Pasta Salad was created.

It’s bright, herb-filled, packed with vegetables, and tossed in a simple lemony dressing that tastes like summer in the Mediterranean. Even better, it fits beautifully into a wellness-focused lifestyle while still feeling like a treat.

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One thing that stood out while traveling in Greece and Italy was how balanced the meals were. Dishes often feature:

• Fresh vegetables
• Olive oil
• Whole grains
• Bright citrus flavors
• Fresh herbs

Meals feel light but incredibly satisfying, which is one reason Mediterranean-style eating is often associated with overall wellness and longevity.

This Greek Orzo Pasta Salad captures that same balance—fresh, flavorful, and nourishing.

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What ingredients do I need to make this Greek Orzo Pasta Salad?

• Orzo pasta
• Colorful cherry or grape tomatoes
• Persian cucumbers
• Red onion
• Kalamata olives
• Fat free feta cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Dried oregano
• Garlic, grated or crushed
• Salt & pepper, to taste

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How do I make this Greek Orzo Pasta Salad?

Cook the orzo according to package directions.

Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.

In a large bowl, combine cooled orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, and parsley.

In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients.

Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors blend.

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Why you’ll love this Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

This isn’t your typical heavy pasta salad. Instead, it’s loaded with crisp vegetables, Mediterranean flavors, and a bright lemon dressing that ties everything together. Here a few reasons why this Pasta Salad has been on repeat at our house this summer:

• Makes for a great meal prep lunch
• A post-workout meal
• Healthy side dishes
• Easy to make in under 30 minutes
• Great for potlucks and summer gatherings
• Easily customizable- add your favorite veggies or protein
• Can be served as a side or main dish

The orzo gives it a comforting pasta texture while the vegetables keep it refreshing and light. And the best part? It tastes even better the next day.

 Tips for Best Flavor

• If meal prepping, keep feta separate until ready to serve for best texture.
• Make it a few hours ahead — it gets better as it sits.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving to brighten it up.

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Salad Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 2 cups colorful cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 Persian cucumbers, diced or quartered
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled fat free feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

 For the Dressing:

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic, grated or crushed
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional add-ins:

• Grilled chicken
• Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• Bell pepper, diced
• Spinach, torn

 Directions:

1. Cook the orzo according to package directions.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, and parsley.
4. In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients.
5. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing and the flavors to blend.

Makes 8 (3/4 cup) servings

5 WW Points® per serving

How do I track this recipe in my WW app? 

Click the link below to go to the recipe builder. You’ll first need to sign into your WW account and then the recipe builder will upload. The recipe builder is the most accurate way to create, obtain, and track the Points®

The recipe builder link only works for WW members located in the United States. If you are located outside of the United States, you’ll need to access the WW app manually to create the recipe in the recipe builder. 

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