Orzo Pasta Salad
Orzo Pasta Salad combines tender orzo with fresh vegetables, zesty dressing and savory mix-ins for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish.
Prepare this flavorful side dish a day or two ahead to let the ingredients meld together, making it an ideal addition to your next picnic or casual gathering. Recipes for Pasta Salad always make the gathering!

Perfect for picnics, potlucks or an easy side!
Italian Pasta Recipes with Fresh Ingredients will meet your pasta needs!
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Can You Freeze Orzo Pasta Salad
Yes, you can freeze orzo pasta salad, but its texture may change after thawing.
To freeze, avoid adding fresh vegetables, herbs, or delicate dressings like mayonnaise, as they don’t freeze well.
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Instead, freeze the orzo and any hearty ingredients like cooked vegetables or proteins separately. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh ingredients and dressing just before eating to restore its flavor and texture.
Salad Ingredients
Scroll on down to the orzo pasta salad recipe card for the full ingredient measurements.
- olive oil
- garlic
- tomatoes
- orzo
- capers
- caper liquid
- lemon juice
- fresh thyme
- fresh parsley
- salt and pepper
How to Make Orzo Pasta Salad
Add olive oil and minced garlic to a cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium-high.
Sauté for 2 minutes, add tomatoes, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, capers with their liquid, lemon juice, thyme, parsley, and the tomato-garlic mixture. Toss well to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Stir before serving chilled, paired with grilled chicken breasts or your favorite main dish.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
Discover even more delicious ways to elevate your meals with these pasta salad recipes.
- Mediterranean Orzo Salad
- Zesty Italian Cucumber and Tomato Pasta Salad
- Mediterranean Pasta Salad
- Sweet Broccoli Apple Pasta Salad
- Apple Tortellini Salad

Orzo Pasta Salad
Orzo Pasta Salad combines tender orzo with fresh vegetables, zesty dressing and savory mix-ins for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
- 2 T. olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely minced
- 1 large or 2 medium tomatoes, washed and chopped, seeds and excess liquid discarded
- 1 ½ c. dried orzo, cooked according to package directions and cooled
- 2 T. capers
- 1 T. caper liquid
- 1 T. fresh lemon juice
- 1 T. fresh thyme, stems removed and chopped

- 1 T. fresh parsley, stems removed and chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add olive oil and minced garlic to a cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium-high. Sauté for 2 minutes, add tomatoes, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, capers with their liquid, lemon juice, thyme, parsley, and the tomato-garlic mixture. Toss well to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Stir before serving chilled, paired with grilled chicken breasts or your favorite main dish.
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For more delicious salad inspiration:
The Complete Salad Cookbook: A Fresh Guide to 200+ Vibrant Dishes Using Greens, Vegetables, Grains, Proteins, and MoreMandy’s Gourmet Salads: Recipes for Lettuce and Life
Seriously Good Salads: Creative Flavor Combinations for Nutritious, Satisfying Meals
Salad Freak: Recipes to Feed a Healthy Obsession