This Is the Only Pasta Salad Recipe You’ll Need This Summer Season

Introducing an Orzo Pasta Salad bursting with your favorite Greek fixings that can be ready on your table in just 30 minutes! This recipe is not only a fabulous side dish for practically any meal, but it’s also perfect for potlucks, picnics, and parties. The best part? It’s hearty enough to be enjoyed as a refreshing lunch or light dinner on its own. Prepare to indulge in the delightful combination of al dente orzo pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, charred and caramelized sweet corn, zippy red onions, tangy Kalamata olives, and salty creamy feta cheese, all beautifully complemented by a tangy herb vinaigrette. This dish is easy to make, bursting with a rainbow of bright flavors and textures, and can even be made ahead of time for a stress-free win!

I am beyond thrilled to share this winning Orzo Pasta Salad recipe with all of you. Both Patrick and I are absolutely obsessed with it! This dish strikes the perfect balance between being hearty, comforting, and refreshing, making it an ideal addition to your table throughout the summer and beyond. Inspired by my favorite fresh Greek flavors, it pairs perfectly with dishes like Chicken Souvlaki, Beef Souvlaki, and Chicken Gyros. However, don’t limit yourself—this salad is equally delicious alongside brisket, burgers, grilled chicken, or basically anything that could use a refreshing side.

Here are just a Few Reasons you’ll Love This Orzo Pasta Recipe

1. Lemony Orzo: The orzo in this salad is cooked with chicken broth and lemon juice, infusing it with a stand-alone bright and lemony flavor. This means you’ll need less dressing because the orzo is already bursting with deliciousness.
2. Charred Corn: Don’t skip the charred, caramelized sweet corn! It adds succulent and sweet pops of flavor that elevate the entire salad and makes it truly irresistible.
3. Texture Heaven: Get ready for a symphony of flavors and textures! This pasta salad is packed with veggies that provide contrasting textures, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
4. Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of your time and basic stirring and chopping skills, you can whip up this Greek orzo pasta salad. Don’t let the list of ingredients intimidate you—the orzo is a simple dump-and-simmer process, and the dressing only requires quick whisking.
5. Healthy Indulgence: Indulge in the unbelievably delicious flavors of this pasta salad without guilt—it’s actually healthy! So go ahead and satisfy your cravings with every mouthwatering bite.
6. Customizable: Make this recipe your own by adding your favorite ingredients or omitting anything you don’t like or have on hand. It’s incredibly versatile!
7. Make it Dinner: This Greek orzo pasta salad isn’t just a side dish; it can be the star of your dinner! It already includes chickpeas for added protein, but feel free to add shredded rotisserie chicken, Greek Chicken, shrimp, or any other protein you desire.
8. Make Ahead: Prepare this pasta salad in advance and enjoy stress-free entertaining, lunches, or dinners without the last-minute rush. Simply bring it out when it’s time to serve and impress your guests.
9. Scale Up or Down: Whether you’re cooking for a small family or a large gathering, this orzo pasta salad recipe can be easily adjusted. You can cut it in half, double it, or triple it based on your needs.
10. Potluck Pleaser: Looking for the perfect dish to bring to potlucks, pool parties, or picnics? Look no further! This orzo pasta salad checks all the boxes and is sure to be a hit. However, don’t just save it for special occasions—make it soon and make it often!
11. Great Leftovers: Enjoy this pasta salad immediately, or savor it as fantastic leftovers. You can rest assured that none of it will go to waste!

So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with this tantalizing Orzo Pasta Salad recipe. It’s time to treat your taste buds to an explosion of flavors and enjoy a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

INGREDIENTS

ORZO

• 16 oz. uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 4 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp EACH salt, pepper
• 1/2 red onion chopped

SALAD

• 2 ears grilled corn, cut off the cob (grilling optional but recommended)
• 1 English cucumber sliced and quartered
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans {chickpeas} drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives halved
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
• 1/2 cup feta

DRESSING

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 TBS EACH fresh dill parsley, oregano OR 1 tsp EACH dried
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp EACH garlic powder, salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make the dressing by adding all of the ingredients to either a small bowl and whisking or a jar and shaking. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Once melted, increase heat to medium-high and add orzo and red onions, and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until red onions are soft.
3. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice salt, and pepper. Simmer until orzo is al dente, 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently the last couple minutes of cooking so it doesn’t burn. If you have leftover liquid, drain Orzo. Transfer to a large bowl to cool in the refrigerator while you finish chopping your veggies.
4. Add all of the salad ingredients to the orzo followed by the dressing. Toss to coat.
5. Taste and season with additional lemon juice or salt and pepper to taste.