When it comes to flavorful salads, this Authentic Greek Orzo Salad with Dolmades and Feta is first place in my book! If you love Mediterranean flavors and prefer to eat healthy, be sure to keep these ingredients on hand. This dish would be a great addition to your weekly rotation and it makes an excellent meal prep, too!
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Greek Orzo Salad is a delightful Mediterranean dish that combines orzo pasta with a medley of fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and savory dolmades. Originating from Greece, this salad is often enjoyed as a light meal or a side dish. Its vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients make it a favorite for summer gatherings, family dinners, and anyone following a Mediterranean diet.
If you like this Greek recipe, you may also love our Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. Craving more? Learn How to Make the Best Village Salad.
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Healthy Ingredients: Packed with veggies, orzo, and garbanzo beans, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, this salad comes together in just 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Great as a main dish, side, or even a picnic meal.
- Flavor: The combination of feta, olives, and a tangy dressing makes every bite delicious!
Ingredients
- Orzo: A rice-shaped pasta that adds a lovely texture to the salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These juicy little tomatoes add sweetness and color.
- English Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, perfect for adding crunch.
- Kalamata Olives: Salty and briny, these olives are a staple in Greek cuisine.
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Garbanzo Beans: Packed with protein and fiber, these beans make the salad hearty.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: Add a tangy, slightly spicy kick.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, crumbled feta brings the flavors together.
- Dolmades: Stuffed grape leaves that add an authentic Greek touch.
- Cavender's Greek Seasoning, Oregano, and Fresh Dill: These spices enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Dressing
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Lemon: Essential for a fresh, flavorful dressing.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
How to Make an Authentic Greek Orzo Salad Recipe with Dolmades and Feta
STEP ONE: Prepare the Orzo
Cook 1 cup of orzo according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Vegetables
While the orzo is cooling, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 English cucumber, pit and halve ½ cup Kalamata olives, and dice 1 green bell pepper.
STEP THREE: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, green bell pepper, and 1 drained can of garbanzo beans. Mix well.
STEP FOUR: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and the juice of 1 lemon. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Gently fold in ½ cup (4 ounces) of crumbled feta cheese and the fresh dill. Top the salad with 6-8 dolmades. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Substitutions & Variations
- Orzo: You can substitute with quinoa or couscous for a different texture.
- Feta Cheese: Try goat cheese for a creamier alternative.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: Use banana peppers if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Dolmades: Instead of using the canned version, try our homemade Greek Dolmades Recipe.
How Can I Customize this Recipe?
- Diet: Make it vegan by omitting the feta cheese and using a dairy-free alternative.
- Flavor: Add fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an extra burst of freshness.
- Spice: For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapenos.
Storage
Store the Greek Orzo Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad gets too dry, freshen it up with a little extra olive oil and lemon juice before serving.
This dish is not freezer-friendly.
Expert Tips for Success
For the best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to blend together.
If you're making it ahead of time, keep the dressing, cucumber, and feta separate. Add it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
No reheating is required.
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Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use extra feta cheese in a Greek omelette.
- Add leftover cherry tomatoes to a caprese salad or make this Healthy Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe.
- Use leftover garbanzo beans to make an Authentic Greek Hummus
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Serve with One Pan Greek Lemon Chicken for a complete meal.
- Pair with a chilled glass of white wine, Tirkokafteri (Greek Spicy Feta Dip), pita bread, and this Authentic Tzatziki Sauce Recipe.
- Enjoy alongside a warm bowl of soup and pita bread. Try this Avgolemono Soup Instant Pot Recipe.
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Recipe FAQs
Greek Orzo Salad is packed with fresh vegetables, garbanzo beans, and orzo pasta, making it a nutritious option. The inclusion of feta cheese and a light olive oil and lemon dressing provides healthy fats and protein, making it a balanced and wholesome dish.
Yes, you can prepare Greek Orzo Salad ahead of time. Simply combine all the ingredients except the dressing, cucumber, and feta cheese. Store the salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator and mix them together just before serving to keep the salad fresh and flavorful.
Greek Orzo Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. It also pairs well with other Mediterranean dishes like hummus, pita bread, and tzatziki sauce, making it a versatile side dish for any meal.
📖 Recipe
Authentic Greek Orzo Salad Recipe with Dolmades and Feta
Equipment
- Large pot for cooking orzo
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
- Cutting board
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 small English cucumber diced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
- 1 small green bell pepper diced
- 1 15 ounce can garbanzo beans drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup pepperoncini peppers sliced
- ½ cup (4 ounces) feta cheese crumbled
- 6-8 dolmades canned, for topping (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Cavender's Greek Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 lemon juice of
Instructions
- Cook 1 cup of orzo according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- While the orzo is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 English cucumber, pit and halve ½ cup Kalamata olives, and dice 1 green bell pepper. Slice ¼ cup of pepperoncini peppers.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, green bell pepper, and the drained can of garbanzo beans.
- Add ½ teaspoon Cavender's Greek Seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and the juice of 1 lemon. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Gently fold in ½ cup (4 ounces) of crumbled feta cheese and fresh dill. Top the salad with 6-8 dolmades.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
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Notes
- Orzo: You can substitute with quinoa or couscous for a different texture.
- Feta Cheese: Try goat cheese for a creamier alternative.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: Use banana peppers if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Dolmades: Instead of using the canned version, try our homemade Greek Dolmades Recipe.
Nutrition
This Authentic Greek Orzo Salad Recipe with Dolmades and Feta is a delicious addition to any meal. It's perfect for people on-the-go, health-conscious eaters, and anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine.
Try it today, and don't forget to share your results or explore more delicious Mediterranean recipes on our blog!
Always wash your hands and vegetables before preparing the salad. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within 3 days. Avoid leaving the salad out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
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