If you love fresh and healthy salads, you will love this Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad recipe. It is bright, colorful and full of Mediterranean flavors.
The orzo pasta is tender and mixed with crisp veggies and salty feta. The lemony dressing makes the salad light and refreshing.
This dish is perfect for lunch, potlucks or a side for dinner. You can make it in under 30 minutes. It tastes even better after chilling in the fridge.
My Experience With This Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad
I tried this recipe for a summer picnic and it was a big hit. The salad looked beautiful with red tomatoes and green cucumbers.
The orzo was cooked just right and not mushy. Everyone loved the tangy lemon dressing. The feta and olives added a salty kick.
I felt happy because it was easy and fast to make. Now I make it often for family meals and gatherings.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Course: Salad
- Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean
- Calories: 360 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide
Cook the Orzo
Boil salted water. Cook orzo for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and cool.
Chop Vegetables
Slice tomatoes, cucumber, onion and olives. Add them to a bowl.
Make the Dressing
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard and garlic.
Season the Dressing
Add salt and pepper. Taste and adjust if needed.
Mix Orzo and Veggies
Add cooled orzo to vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
Add Dressing
Pour dressing over the salad. Mix until everything is coated.
Add Feta and Herbs
Sprinkle feta, parsley, and mint on top. Toss lightly once more.
Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate for 20 minutes. This helps flavors blend well.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad
- Rinse orzo with cold water to stop cooking.
- Use fresh lemon juice for bright flavor.
- Chop veggies evenly for a nice texture.
- Add herbs last for fresh aroma.
- Chill the salad for best taste and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking orzo until mushy.
- Not cooling orzo before mixing with veggies.
- Adding too much salt before tasting.
- Skipping fresh herbs for flavor.
- Not chilling the salad before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek orzo salad is perfect with grilled chicken or fish. You can serve it with pita bread and hummus for a full meal. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
For a picnic, pack it in a cooler and serve cold. The salad is also great as a side dish for BBQs and family gatherings.
Variations You Can Try
- Add grilled chicken for more protein.
- Use spinach or arugula for extra greens.
- Add roasted red peppers for sweetness.
- Use quinoa instead of orzo for a gluten-free option.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Eat within 3 days for best freshness.
- Do not freeze, as the texture changes.
- Stir well before serving again.
- Add extra lemon juice before serving if needed.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Health Benefits
This salad is full of healthy ingredients. The vegetables provide vitamins and fiber. Olive oil adds healthy fats for your heart.
Feta cheese gives calcium and protein. The lemon juice adds vitamin C and freshness. Orzo provides energy from carbs. Overall, it is a balanced and tasty meal.
Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint chopped
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Orzo
- Boil salted water. Cook orzo for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and cool.
Chop Vegetables
- Slice tomatoes, cucumber, onion and olives. Add them to a bowl.
Make the Dressing
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard and garlic.
Season the Dressing
- Add salt and pepper. Taste and adjust if needed.
Mix Orzo and Veggies
- Add cooled orzo to vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
Add Dressing
- Pour dressing over the salad. Mix until everything is coated.
Add Feta and Herbs
- Sprinkle feta, parsley, and mint on top. Toss lightly once more.
Chill Before Serving
- Refrigerate for 20 minutes. This helps flavors blend well.
Notes
- Rinse orzo with cold water to stop cooking.
- Use fresh lemon juice for bright flavor.
- Chop veggies evenly for a nice texture.
- Add herbs last for fresh aroma.
- Chill the salad for best taste and texture.
FAQs about Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Keep it chilled for best flavor.
Q2: Can I use another pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can use couscous or small pasta shapes. Adjust cooking time.
Q3: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free orzo or quinoa instead. The taste will still be great.
Q4: How long does it stay fresh in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad recipe is fresh, easy and delicious. It is perfect for summer meals and gatherings.
The flavors are bright and balanced. The salad is simple to make and looks beautiful too. Try it today and enjoy a healthy, tasty dish.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!