Easy Mediterranean Greek Orzo Pasta (Cucumber, Tomato & Feta)
Easy Mediterranean Greek Orzo Pasta with feta, olives, herbs, and fresh veggies cooked in flavorful broth for a warm, vibrant, and satisfying dish.
August 2025 update: I first shared my recipe for Easy Mediterranean Greek Orzo Pasta back in May of 2024. This update adds pictures of the process and a few extra tips and tricks for making the best orzo recipe possible. I hope you love the updates and that this recipe hits for you! Let me know what you think in the comments.
👩🍳 The Closest I’ve Come to Greece: Easy Mediterranean Greek Pasta
My husband and I dream about the day we can sail into the Mediterranean Sea and spend a few months, maybe even a few years, exploring the Greek islands. I want to see the well-known spots like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, but also visit lesser-toured islands such as Folegandros, Astypalaia, and Ikaria. I want to walk through the Colosseum and Piazza Navona, and wander the open-air markets at Campo de’ Fiori.
I love living in the United States, but I am drawn to the history and culture of the Mediterranean. And the food is a big part of that pull. I love Mediterranean cuisine, from Italian pasta to Greek mezze platters with olives, feta, and fresh pita. I can picture myself sitting on the deck of our boat with a glass of cabernet, having lunch while the wind from the Mediterranean Sea brushes my face. My husband would be next to me, smiling, both of us far from the stress we once knew.
That is part of why I have started adding more Mediterranean dishes to this blog, like this Greek Orzo Pasta. Orzo is tender and silky, and when it is cooked in broth it absorbs rich, savory flavor. It is layered with fresh herbs, briny Kalamata olives, salty feta, and finished with the cool crunch of cucumber. It is simple to make, full of flavor, and one of those dishes you will want to make again. I hope you give it a try.
🛒 Easy Mediterranean Greek Orzo Pasta Recipe Ingredient List
🥣 Visual Process for Making Greek Orzo Pasta
Start by warming a generous splash of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. When the surface of the oil looks thin and glistening, stir in the dry orzo. Let it toast for a minute or two, stirring often, until some of the pieces turn light golden. This step brings out a nutty flavor that makes the whole dish taste richer.
Add minced garlic and cook just until it smells fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. Pour in your broth, either chicken or vegetable, and bring it to a gentle boil so the orzo can soak up all that flavor instead of plain water.
Stir in the orzo and give it a stir every so often so it cooks evenly and does not stick. While the orzo is cooking, cut your cherry tomatoes in half so they are ready to go. When the pasta is about halfway done, add the tomatoes to the pot so they start to soften and release their juices.
Once the orzo is just tender, stir in chopped fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano. The heat will bring out their oils and fill the kitchen with a fresh Mediterranean aroma. If you are serving meatballs, nestle them into the skillet at this point so they warm through and take on some of the herby broth flavor.
Add Kalamata olives near the end so they stay plump. Crumble the feta over the hot orzo and stir gently so it melts slightly, giving the pasta a creamy finish while still leaving small pockets of cheese. For a final pop of freshness, toss in diced cucumber right before serving so it stays cool and crisp against the warm orzo.
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Easy Mediterranean Greek Orzo Pasta (Cucumber, Tomato & Feta)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 cups Dried Orzo
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (1 lemon worth)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme (or 1 tsp of dried)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Oregano (or 1 tsp of dried)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Basil (or 1 tsp of dried)
- ½ cup Kalamata Olives (halved or sliced)
- ½ cup Feta Cheese
- ½ cup Cherry Tomatoes (quartered)
- ½ cup Cucumber (chopped small)
Instructions
- Melt 2 tbsp Butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cups Dried Orzo and stir so every piece is coated in the butter. Keep stirring for a couple of minutes until some of the pasta turns light golden. This toasting step brings out a nutty flavor that makes the whole dish richer.
- Pour in 4 cups Chicken Broth and 2 tbsp Lemon Juice. Give it a good stir, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir now and then so nothing sticks to the bottom.
- When the orzo is cooked, stir in 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme, 1 tbsp Fresh Oregano and 1 tbsp Fresh Basil. Add ½ cup Kalamata Olives, ½ cup Feta Cheese, ½ cup Cherry Tomatoes, and ½ cup Cucumber. Mix gently so the feta softens slightly without losing all its texture. Serve right away while it’s warm.
Substitutions
Storage
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I toast the orzo in something other than butter?
Yes. Olive oil works well and will give the dish a fruitier flavor, while ghee gives a deeper, richer taste. Just keep the heat moderate so the orzo browns without burning.
What if my orzo finishes cooking before the liquid is absorbed?
That can happen if the heat is too high. Simply remove the lid, stir often, and let the extra liquid cook off. If the orzo is soft but still has too much liquid, a quick drain in a fine mesh strainer can save the texture.
Why add cucumber to a warm dish?
It’s all about contrast. The cool crunch of cucumber against warm, savory pasta makes each bite more interesting. Add it just before serving so it stays fresh.
What To Serve With Greek Orzo
This warm Greek orzo pairs beautifully with these Greek chicken meatballs, especially ones seasoned with garlic and herbs. It also works as a side for roasted chicken, lamb chops, or grilled fish like salmon or sea bass. For a vegetarian plate, serve it alongside roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
You can spoon it into shallow bowls and top with extra crumbled feta, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a drizzle of good olive oil for a simple but satisfying main dish. Add a slice of crusty bread or warm pita on the side to soak up any juices.
If you want a fresh contrast, serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, onion, and olives.
More Mediterranean Recipes
If you enjoyed this Easy Mediterranean Greek Orzo Pasta, there are plenty of other recipes you might like to add to your cooking list. The Mediterranean Olive and Herb Quick Bread and the Pan Toasted Sun-Dried Tomato Sourdough are perfect for serving alongside pasta dishes or with a simple salad.
For chicken dinners, Mediterranean Chicken with Potato Wedges is a hearty one-pan option, while Mediterranean Chicken Pizza and Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pizza bring bold flavor to pizza night. Mediterranean Chicken in Pesto Asiago Sauce is creamy and full of fresh herb flavor when you want something a little richer.
If pasta is what you are craving, try the Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Fettuccine for a quick weeknight meal. For fresh and colorful sides, Mediterranean Balsamic Caprese Salad and Greek Chickpea Salad are both easy to put together. When you want something handheld, Loaded Greek Chicken Burgers and Greek Chicken Meatballs make a satisfying lunch or dinner.