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. At the grocery store, you can usually find it near the pasta, but sometimes it will be stocked near the rice. 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!
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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 in a bowl

What’s your favorite kind of pasta salad?