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This Orzo Pasta Salad is filled with fresh veggies and zesty lemon flavor that will excite your tastebuds. It’s perfect for your next potluck, party, or a refreshing and unique meal this summer. You’re going to want to save this recipe for later!
If you are new to the world of orzo pasta, I’ve got you covered! If you are a seasoned pro, I’ve got recipes for you too! You’ve got to try this Italian Orzo and Sausage Skillet, this yummy and refreshing Lemon Parmesan Garlic Orzo with Asparagus, and this Southwest Orzo Salad with Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing.
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
This orzo pasta salad is made with NO MAYO! Don’t get me wrong, I love pasta salads with a rich mayo dressing, but sometimes they aren’t the best if you have to transport them or have them outside during a hot day. This pasta salad is perfect for hot summer days because it won’t go bad if it sits out for a little. It is best chilled, but it won’t get bad quickly either! It is a win-win for everyone at your next get-together. I will warn you though, this orzo pasta salad will not last long and everyone will be asking you for the recipe.
This salad makes a great side dish for just about any protein! It’s amazing served next to some grilled honey balsamic chicken or along with a juicy grilled burger. It gets those veggies in (that everyone will gobble up) and it’s full of fresh flavor to break up your meal. It really is my favorite salad right now (sorry cucumber tomato salad, you’re still my close second!). You’ve got to try it, you’ll be hooked too!
Ingredients
This orzo pasta salad is packed with veggies and has a hint of lemon to break things up. The best thing about this salad is that you can really switch up the veggies however you like! Pretty much anything goes in this one. Other veggie ideas include red onion, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives and cucumber. You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.
- Orzo: Make this according to the package directions.
- Lemon Zest: Adds an intense amount of flavor with no bitterness.
- Lemon Juice: the citric acid adds a fresh zing.
- Olive Oil: Best for harmonizing, enhancing, and building the flavors together, plus it adds to the body and depth.
- Salt: A dash of extra flavor.
- Garlic: Mince garlic is best for that intense flavor compared to garlic powder.
- Honey: This will be an added sweetener with layers of flavor.
- Corn: Fresh or frozen will work for this pasta salad.
- Red Bell Pepper: Chopped bell pepper adds a sweet and crunchy flavor.
- Zucchini: Subtle and not overpowering that adds just the right amount of taste.
- Salt and Pepper: For added flavor.
- Mozzarella: Cut into chunks and add to the salad for a soft, moist texture that is full of a milky flavor. You could use crumbled feta instead.
- Basil: Associated with a strong, pungent, and sweet smell that tastes a little like pepper. Any fresh herbs like fresh basil or parsley are yummy!
Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
This orzo pasta salad is perfect for any occasion. It’s light and refreshing, and super simple to make! You will cook the veggies for 20ish minutes, but if you want to take a shortcut and toss them in the air fryer (air fryer veggies), I won’t tell! In fact, sprinkle some air fryer mushrooms in there too, you won’t be disappointed! This recipe is straightforward and simple, but I share some tips below as well.
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cook Orzo: Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain and place in a large bowl.
- Make Dressing: While orzo cooks, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and honey. Whisk until well combined.
- Prep Veggies: Toss the corn, chopped red pepper, & chopped broccoli with olive oil and salt and pepper on a tray.
- Cook Veggies: Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping every 7-8 minutes in the preheated oven. (Cook until crisp tender)
- Cool: Remove and allow to cool.
- Put It All Together: Toss completely cooled vegetables, completely cooled pasta, cubed mozzarella, and ribboned basil with the dressing and chill in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
- Enjoy: Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!
Tips for Making Orzo Salad
This simple orzo pasta salad is my go-to for so many reasons. It’s filling, flavorful, and different! Here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of this recipe.
- Cooling Orzo: You will want to cool your orzo completely to prevent it from clumping together. Running it under cold water in a colander will quickly help the salad cool. I actually prefer the salad chilled, so you will want to plan ahead of time so that this can sit in the fridge for 4-6 hours first.
- Try New Cheese: If you prefer to use a different cheese other than mozzarella, try goat cheese or feta substitute. I love it both ways! When I’m in a rush, I will actually cut up string cheese, so trust me when I say I’ve tried it all and loved it every way!
- Make It a Meal: Adding some grilled chicken on top, or even some shrimp can make this salad a full meal! It’s got everything you need to fill you up. You can add nuts like cashews too for extra texture and nutrients. When I am making this salad, I often just use what I have on hand to try and use up all of the food in my fridge, and you can do the same!
Storing Leftovers
This orzo pasta salad makes great leftovers too. I know right? It just keeps getting better! Here is how to store your leftovers.
- In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before eating.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
I just think there is always room on the table for a pasta salad! Especially in the summer, it’s a go to side dish. Here are a few of my favorite recipes that I think you’ll love too!
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Orzo Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup uncooked orzo
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup broccoli chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup cubed mozzarella
- 1/3 cup ribboned basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain and place in a large bowl.
- While orzo cooks, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and honey. Whisk until well combined.
- Toss the corn, chopped red pepper, & chopped broccoli with olive oil and salt and pepper on a tray.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping every 7-8 minutes in the preheated oven. (Cook until crisp tender)
- Remove and allow to cool.
- Toss completely cooled vegetables, completely cooled pasta, cubed mozzarella, and ribboned basil with the dressing and chill in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
- Add salt and pepper to taste!
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I didn’t use the right amounts so maybe it’s that, but the combination of ingredients was unexpectedly disgusting. So bad that I felt I had to leave a review. – frejab
I love this recipe. Just curious the picture looks like there is a spice in there other than pepper?
I think you are seeing the sautéed lemon zest and garlic? The only seasonings are listed in the recipe. Enjoy!
I have brought this pasta salad to a couple BBQs and it’s a hit. I usually double the amount of veggies- but don’t change anything else. I almost lost this recipe but so glad I found it and saved it!!
Made this and I loved it! But I’m counting points and curious how many calories and how many servings ?
I like to use myfitnesspal.com or skinny taste.com for any nutritional questions. Hope that will help find your answers too!
What kind of mozzarella? Low moisture, or not?
Just mozzarella not low moisture.
With regard to the orzo salad, how much olive oil goes into the dressing and how much is used to toss the veggies?
The dressing has 1 Tablespoon olive oil and the vegetables have 3 Tablespoons olive oil.
I’m making this now. I noticed that the dressing recipes says combine zest, juice, olive oil, OIL, salt, garlic and honey. But i don’t see any other oil in recipe. Is that a typo?
Thank you for letting me know! That is a typo. I have deleted it now. Hope you enjoy your salad! XOXO
Very good, even without the mozzarella (I can’t do dairy) my son and husband enjoyed it too. This one will be on the rotation.
YAY! So happy to hear! Thank you so much for sharing! XOXO
Made this several times for parties and it’s always a hit! Super fresh! I’ve added chicken to it before also.
Great to hear! Thank you so much for sharing and following along with me! XOXO
Can this be made ahead of time?
Incredible Tasty Salad,this looks Yummy,I Ever eat this salad,i wanna try this in my home,looks tasty..
this looks very tasty!
This looks outstanding! Thank you!
What a simple and delicious salad! Orzo is so versatile! Love this!
I love orzo pasta salad and so I will be trying this one girl. AND I so want that fork!
Scheduled to share on Fb, pinned and yummed. xo San