Greek Orzo & Spinach Salad with Feta & Chickpeas

I’m so glad you’re here—thank you for stopping by my kitchen today! It truly warms my heart every time I get to share a new recipe with you. And today’s recipe is something extra special. This Greek Orzo & Spinach Salad with Feta & Chickpeas is one of those dishes that I keep coming back to, again and again. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and satisfyingly hearty. Plus, it’s easy to throw together on a busy weeknight but pretty enough to serve at a gathering.

Whether you’re here for a wholesome lunch idea or a gorgeous side dish, you’re in for something delicious. Want the recipe straight to your inbox? Sign up now to have it delivered straight to your inbox!

Overview of Greek Orzo & Spinach Salad with Feta & Chickpeas

Let’s talk about why this salad has earned a permanent place in my recipe rotation.

At its core, it’s a colorful Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad that combines tender orzo, crisp veggies, creamy feta, and protein-packed chickpeas. Tossed in a zingy homemade dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, and a kiss of oregano, it delivers BIG flavor in every forkful.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• ✅ Fast and simple – Done in less than 30 minutes.
• ✅ No oven required – Perfect for warmer days
• ✅ Meal-prep friendly – Stays fresh and vibrant in the fridge
• ✅ Customizable – You can swap or add ingredients based on what you have
• ✅ Naturally vegetarian – Filling, wholesome, and satisfying

What Does It Taste Like?

It’s like summer in a bowl! You get the toothsome bite of orzo pasta, the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes, the creamy saltiness of crumbled feta, and the zing of a tangy vinaigrette. The parsley and spinach give it an herby freshness that ties everything together beautifully. And those chickpeas? They make it feel like a complete, protein-rich meal.

The Benefits

Beyond being beautiful and delicious, this dish is loaded with nutrients—fiber, iron, calcium, plant-based protein, and heart-healthy fats. It’s a great way to nourish your body without feeling like you’re eating a “salad.” Trust me, you won’t be missing anything here.

Ingredients for Greek Orzo & Spinach Salad with Feta & Chickpeas

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this Mediterranean masterpiece to life:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons Kalamata olives, sliced (optional but recommended!)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Just a few basics—nothing fancy!

• Medium pot (for cooking orzo)
• Large mixing bowl
• Small whisk or fork (for the dressing)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Strainer (for rinsing chickpeas and draining pasta)

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! You can easily tweak this salad to fit your preferences or pantry.

Additions

• Roasted red peppers for extra sweetness
• Avocado slices for creaminess
• Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy punch

Substitutions

• No orzo? Try cooked couscous or quinoa.
• Out of chickpeas? Use white beans or green lentils.
• Don’t love raw onions? Swap in chopped green onions or leave them out altogether.
• Prefer dairy-free? Use vegan feta or skip the cheese and add more olives.

How to Make Greek Orzo & Spinach Salad with Feta & Chickpeas

Let’s get this on your table—here’s how simple it is:

1. Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped spinach, halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, chickpeas, thinly sliced red onion, feta, olives (if using), and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently mix until everything is well coated.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully—highly recommended!

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What to Serve with This Salad

While it’s perfectly satisfying on its own, here are a few pairings that elevate it into a full meal:

• Grilled chicken skewers or lemon-herb salmon for extra protein
• Warm pita bread or flatbread with a smear of hummus
• Stuffed grape leaves or falafel for a mezze-style spread
• Lemon garlic potatoes for a hearty, Mediterranean-inspired side

Or serve it alongside this Roasted Mediterranean Vegetable Couscous Bowl for a vibrant, veggie-packed dinner spread!

Tips for the Best Greek Orzo & Spinach Salad

• Chop ingredients small for the perfect bite in every forkful
• Use quality olive oil—this makes a big difference in the flavor
• Allow it to rest for 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can fully come together.
• Toss gently so the feta stays intact
• Double the dressing and save it for other salads during the week!

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Lucky you!

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• If prepping in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to avoid soggy spinach.
• This salad doesn’t freeze well, but it holds up beautifully in the fridge!

Did You Know?

• Orzo is actually pasta, not rice—even though it looks like it!
• This salad is a great source of fiber and iron, thanks to the spinach and chickpeas.
• It’s a meal prep hero—pack it for work lunches or picnics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa.

Is this salad vegan?
As written, no—but you can easily make it vegan by omitting the feta or using a plant-based version.

Can I use fresh herbs other than parsley?
Definitely. Try dill, mint, or basil for a different flavor profile.

Is this served warm or cold?
It’s best served cold or room temperature—especially refreshing on warm days!

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, just keep the dressing separate and mix everything together before serving.

Conclusion

This Greek Orzo & Spinach Salad with Feta & Chickpeas is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and absolutely gorgeous on the plate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal prepping for the week, this salad is a recipe worth repeating.

Looking for more dishes that celebrate Mediterranean flavors? Try these:

• Orzo Cranberry Chickpea Salad – A slightly sweet twist on a classic
• Crispy Parmesan Chickpeas & Spinach – Crunchy, cheesy, and wildly addictive
• Roasted Mediterranean Vegetable Couscous Bowl – Bursting with bold color and flavor

Share Your Creations!

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram and share your photos on Pinterest so I can drool over your delicious dishes. Your feedback means everything—don’t forget to leave a comment and review below!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Please note: These values are estimates.

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 420mg

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