This Gluten Free Orzo Salad is a delicious side to pair with any of your favorite main dishes. Ready in about 30 minutes- you’ll be falling in love with this easy orzo salad that’s jam packed with fresh veggies and a yummy homemade dressing, in no time!

Overhead close up image of orzo salad on a white plate

If you know me, you know my love for pasta and you know I love my fair share of any perfect pasta dish. Thank goodness for portion control, when all I want to do is dive head first into the bowl of carby goodness. I usually like to bulk up my pasta dishes with some yummy fresh veggies too – and this orzo salad is no different! I used my popular Greek Pasta Salad recipe as inspo and am totally in love!

In today’s recipe I use Orzo, which is a type of pasta that’s typically made from white or semolina flours. But, instead, I made this version gluten free by using a GF orzo. (Delallo is my fave!) You can easily find Delallo Gluten Free Orzo in most grocery stores now, and it’s made with corn and rice instead of wheat products. You can sub out any gluten free orzo that you find.

Overhead image of a round white plate half filled with grilled shrimp, half filled with orzo salad.

Table of Contents

Why we love this Orzo Salad

Gluten free version of a classic recipe, so everyone can enjoy
Satisfying and delicious with tons of robust flavor and tastes just as good as regular orzo
Great for potlucks, a side dish, or a filling lunch alongside your favorite protein like these yummy Air Fryer Shrimp.
Fits into 21 Day Fix and Portion Fix meal plans and Weight Watcher points
Makes great leftovers for the week!

Ingredients Needed

Overhead photo of small bowls of ingredients to make orzo salad

For the salad:

Cooked gluten free orzo – I use the Delallo brand. If you’re not gluten free, you can use traditional orzo. You can also use any other gluten-free brands. TIP: cook your orzo in chicken broth for extra flavor!
Diced cucumber – I leave the skin on but you can peel if you desire.
Broccoli florets- Cut up small.
Grape tomatoes- Cut in half or you can leave them whole if you prefer.
Red onion – Sliced thin. Tip: Soak slices in water for about 10 minutes to remove some of the “bite”
Feta cheese – I love the tangy salty flavor this brings. Don’t like? Sub for your favorite cheese! Or omit for dairy free.
Olives- I used kalamata olives, but feel free to sub your favorite or swap out if you don’t love olives!
Lemon juice- Fresh squeezed from a lemon is the way to go.

Overhead photo of bowls of ingredients used to make homemade salad dressing

For the dressing:

Olive oil – Can sub avocado oil if you prefer.
Red wine vinegar – Balances out the flavor of the homemade dressing.
Water – You could even use a cup of pasta water if you want.
Salt and fresh pepper- You only need a sprinkle.
Oregano – Dried or fresh will both be yummy!
Basil – Either dried or fresh work in this dressing.
Garlic powder- Just a dash is all you need, not an exact science sometimes 🙂
Lemon juice – Can’t beat fresh lemon juice!

How to make Gluten Free Orzo Salad

Glass bowl of homemade dressing with a metal whisk.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Orzo Salad in a glass bowl

Mix ingredients for the dressing (can be done the day before) and refrigerate. Be sure to taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Make orzo pasta according to package directions. Once your pasta is cooled, toss it in a medium bowl with the chopped veggies and olives. Squeeze juice from 1/2 lemon over the entire salad and give it a good mix. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
Before serving, stir in dressing and feta cheese.
Enjoy! It makes great leftovers and lunches for the week! (See below for tips on storing)

Helpful Tips

You can mix the ingredients for the dressing the day before. Just store it in an airtight container until ready to use.
If you need true gluten free pasta while following a gluten free diet, always check that it is from a dedicated gluten free facility to reduce the risk of cross contamination.
Soak your red onion in cold water while your pasta is cooking. This takes out the “bite” of your red onion.
Want to add another veggie? Try adding some diced green peppers, other bell peppers, zucchini, or yellow squash.
Cook your Delallo gluten-free orzo just enough that it has the perfect al dente texture to go with your vegetables. Adjust your cooking time as necessary to get your orzo just how you like it with the perfect al dente bite. And, for more flavor, cook your orzo in chicken or veggie broth.
If you don’t want to use this homemade dressing, you can use a store bought balsamic vinaigrette. Just be sure to read your labels!
If orzo isn’t your thing, you can use another gluten free grain or pasta!

Orzo salad ingredients mixed up in a glass bowl.

How to Store Orzo Salad

This delicious orzo recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you know you will have many leftovers, you may want to only dress half of the salad at first, and save the rest (salad and dressing stored separately) for later in the week. Because as orzo sits, it will continue to soak up the dressing and flavors around it.

What to Serve with this salad