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.

feta orzo pasta salad

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 delicious 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!

feta orzo pasta

Tips for Perfect Orzo Pasta Salad

  • You can make this dish up to 2 days in advance. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • Be sure to finely dice the red onion. Raw onion can have a strong bite, so small pieces are key! For a more mild flavor, try shallots instead.
  • I highly recommend buying a whole block of feta and crumbling it yourself. Crumbled feta has anti-caking agents that make it less creamy.

orzo pasta

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 to add your favorite protein or serve it in a whole grain pita!
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
feta orzo pasta salad

Feta and Orzo Pasta Salad

★★★★★ 5 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 8 mins
  • Cook Time: 7 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 3 cups 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

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

Scale
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 3 oz feta cheese, crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Dash of black pepper, crushed red pepper, oregano

Instructions

  1. Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add in the orzo. Cook for 7 minutes, or until tender.
  2. Drain the pasta and spread it on a large plate to cool.
  3. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, and oregano.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the orzo, feta, chickpeas, diced onion, and parsley.
  5. Drizzle with olive oil mixture and toss to combine.
  6. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Keywords: orzo pasta salad

Looking for more orzo recipes? Try this easy Parmesan Orzo Pasta recipe!

parmesan orzo

What’s your favorite kind of pasta salad?