This feta and orzo pasta salad is a light and delicious side dish. Prepare it in advance for a picnic or serve it warm with your favorite protein.
This pasta salad is perfect for a picnic or barbecue because it can be made and kept in the fridge for up to a day in advance! Fresh parsley, garlic, and lemon give this dish a fresh flavor that can be served with a variety of main dish options. I’ve also enjoyed this as a quick lunch option since the chickpeas provide lots of protein and fiber to keep me full all afternoon!
What is Orzo?
Although it might look like a grain, orzo is actually a small pasta shape. It’s hard to find whole-wheat or gluten-free orzo pasta, but if you need a substitute, try Banza’s chickpea “rice”. The rice shape is actually pretty similar to orzo and it’s gluten-free!
Tips for Perfect Orzo Pasta Salad
- If you’re making this dish in advance, wait to add the parsley until you’re ready to serve it. That will keep it from wilting before you get to enjoy the salad.
- Be sure to finely dice the red onion. Raw onion can have a strong bite, so small pieces are key!
- I highly recommend buying a whole block of feta and crumbling it yourself. Crumbled feta has anti-caking agents and it’s less creamy.
Substitution Ideas
- If you’re gluten-free, try using Banza’s chickpea rice. It’s actually really similar to orzo pasta but it’s made with chickpeas so it’s gluten-free.
- If you want to make this recipe vegan, skip the feta and add a handful of salted, sliced almonds. That will add a salty flavor to replace the cheese.
- To make this a main dish, feel free too add your favorite protein or serve it in a whole grain pita!
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PinDescription
This feta and orzo pasta salad is a light and delicious side dish. Prepare it in advance for a picnic or serve it warm with your favorite protein.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 15oz can chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic
- 2 tablespoons red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Dash of black pepper, crushed red pepper, oregano
Instructions
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add in the orzo. Cook for 7 minutes, or until tender.
- Drain, rinse, and spread it on a large plate to cool.
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic powder.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the feta, chickpeas. diced onion, and parsley.
- Drizzle with olive oil mixture and toss to combine.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Keywords: orzo pasta salad
What’s your favorite kind of pasta salad?
Toni
I love everything about this meal! So easy and delicious!
★★★★★
Pam Greer
This is our go to picnic side dish! Everyone loves it and I love how easy it is to make!
★★★★★
kim
This is fabulous! So tasty and easy! I’ll definitely be making again!
★★★★★
Romina
This is the perfect dish for any picnics or potlucks. I love the combination of chickpeas and feta cheese.
★★★★★
Jen
Meal in a bowl so nice for the hot weather we are having. I love that it’s very versatile depending on what is ripe in the garden too. I always add kalamata olives and some rough chopped fresh baby spinach. It’s so good!
★★★★★
Lisa @ The Wellness Wife
I love everything in this recipe! Sounds and looks great!
carmy
Looks yum! I love feta. I’ll gladly eat anything with feta haha
Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron
Such a cute dress! This pasta salad has all of my favorite things, wish I had some right now! Pinned 🙂
★★★★★
GiGi Eats
Aw man, I miss ORZO! One of the best shapes of pasta, hands down! 😉
★★★★★
Danielle @ tiny-trots
Hi Liz! Now I’m checking out your site 🙂 My husband dislikes cold pasta salads as well, but this may be a dish he likes. Thanks for sharing!
Liz
Aw, thanks for visiting! 🙂