Greek Orzo Salad with Feta and Dolmades is an easy, make-ahead side dish, full of Mediterranean flavor and fresh ingredients. Tender orzo, crisp vegetables, and creamy feta are tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette, then topped with dolmades for a truly Greek touch.
If you like this Greek recipe, you may also love our Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. Craving more? Learn How to Make the Best Village Salad.
Greek Orzo Salad with Feta at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 10 minutes
- 🧊 Optional Chill: 30 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 6
- 🔥 Cook Method: Stovetop and Tossed Cold
- 🍽️ Cuisine: Mediterranean Greek Recipe
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Greek Lemon Chicken, Avgolemono Soup, or Tirkokafteri (Greek Spicy Feta Dip)
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
Our family's favorite make-ahead salad for entertaining. We love serving it with grilled chicken and warm pita. ~Jami
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Packed with veggies, orzo, and garbanzo beans, this salad is both nutritious and delicious. Just like our Chopped Greek Salad and Village Salad!
- 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!
Greek Orzo Salad with Feta and Dolmades Ingredients
- Orzo: We love this rice-shaped pasta. It adds such 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: We use canned stuffed grape leaves for that authentic Greek touch, or you can try our Homemade Dolmades!
- Cavender's Greek Seasoning, Oregano, and Fresh Dill: These spices enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
- 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.
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 for a milder flavor.
- Dolmades: Instead of using the canned version, try our homemade Greek Dolmades Recipe.
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How to Make a Greek Orzo Salad with Feta and Dolmades
STEP ONE: Cook the Orzo
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until tender.
Drain, rinse briefly under cool water, and let it cool completely.
STEP TWO: Mix the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Greek seasoning, oregano, fresh dill, and pepper until smooth.
STEP THREE: Build the Salad
Add the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, Kalamata olives, pepperoncini, and garbanzo beans. Toss well.
Add the cooled orzo and feta cheese on top and toss gently again to combine so everything is evenly coated.
STEP FOUR: Add Feta and Dolmades
Add reserved feta and dill, then top with dolmades.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Keep the dressing, cucumber, and feta separate if making ahead of time.
✔️ DO Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Storage
Store the Greek pasta 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.
Recipe FAQs
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 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, such as hummus, pita bread, and tzatziki sauce, making it a great side dish for any meal.
More Greek Recipes You'll Love ♥️
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📖 Recipe
Greek Orzo Salad with Feta and Dolmades
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Salad bowl
- Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
- Cutting board
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- 1 small English cucumber (about 1 cup) diced
- ⅓ cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
- 1 small green bell pepper (about ¾ cup) diced
- 1 15 ounce can garbanzo beans drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup pepperoncini peppers sliced
- ½ cup (4 ounces) feta cheese, crumbled reserve some for topping
- 6 dolmades canned, for topping (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Cavender's Greek Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill reserve some for topping
- pepper to taste
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- lemon juice of
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo and cook until al dente. Drain, rinse under cool water, and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, fresh dill, oregano, Greek seasoning, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, pepperoncini, and garbanzo beans directly to the bowl with the dressing. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Add the cooled orzo and feta cheese. Toss gently until everything is well combined and coated in dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend. Top with dolmades, and extra feta and dill before serving.
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Video
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.
Jami Powell says
This is one of our favorite summer salad recipes!