Greek Orzo Salad with Feta, Kalamata Olives, and Mint
A refreshing orzo pasta salad tossed with tangy feta, briny Kalamata olives, fresh mint, and lemon vinaigrette, perfect for warm weather. This greek-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes pairs (about 8 oz) orzo pasta, water, for pasta water salt into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (about 8 oz) orzo pasta
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp for pasta water salt
- 1 medium, diced cucumber
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, pitted and halved Kalamata olives
- 1/4 small, finely chopped red onion
- 4 oz, crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 cups water with 1 tsp salt to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
- Step 2: To the cooled orzo, add 1 medium diced cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives, 1/4 small finely chopped red onion, 4 oz crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the orzo salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Greek Orzo Salad with Feta, Kalamata Olives, and Mint take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Greek Orzo Salad with Feta, Kalamata Olives, and Mint?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (about 8 oz) orzo pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Greek Orzo Salad with Feta, Kalamata Olives, and Mint?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Greek Orzo Salad with Feta, Kalamata Olives, and Mint for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Greek Orzo Salad with Feta, Kalamata Olives, and Mint?
Greek salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Related recipes
Pan-Seared Greek Halloumi Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber
Horiatiki Greek Village Salad with Kalamata Olives and Feta
Refreshing Cucumber and Tomato Greek Salad with Feta
Grilled Halloumi and Tomato Salad with Mint
Sun-Kissed Avocado and Corn Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad with Mint Vinaigrette
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
