Orzo Pasta Salad - The Recipe Critic (2024)

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 forharmonizing, 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.

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Cook Orzo: Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain and place in a large bowl.
3. Make Dressing: While orzo cooks, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and honey. Whisk until well combined.
4. Prep Veggies: Toss the corn, chopped red pepper, & chopped broccoli with olive oil and salt and pepper on a tray.
5. Cook Veggies: Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping every 7-8 minutes in the preheated oven. (Cook until crisp tender)
6. Cool: Remove and allow to cool.
7. 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.
8. Enjoy: Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!