Cheers to summer filled with flavorful pasta salads that keep everyone coming back for seconds. I think pasta salads can get a bad rap for being gloppy and a little tasteless, so it has been my mission over the past few years to bring you fresh, beautiful, flavorful pasta salads that you can feel good about eating (and serving to guests!)

This herby Italian orzo salad is a delicious pasta take on my Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad, which just so happens to be one of the most popular salad recipes on Ambitious Kitchen. One bite and you’ll truly be hooked — at least Abra and I were when we made it a few weeks back. This orzo salad has everything you could ever want: fresh herbs and veggies, tender orzo pasta, salty feta cheese, and plenty of savory elements from olives and pepperoncini.

Okay, anyone else drooling just thinking about this combo?? Same.

The orzo salad is tossed in a light Italian dressing made with super simple ingredients and the flavors tie everything together so beautifully. Like most pasta salads, this one keeps in the fridge for days so you can easily make it ahead of time for a party or store leftovers for meal prep. Get this one on your summer menu ASAP!

Ingredients in this Italian orzo salad

This gorgeous, herby Italian orzo salad is all about the delicious mix-ins. We’re packing in fresh veggies, plus lots of fun additions like pepperoncini and olives! Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• Orzo: the base of this pasta salad is orzo! I love the little pasta shape and how easy it is to scoop it up with the rest of the ingredients.
• Veggies: we’re loading this orzo salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red bell pepper and red onion.
• Mix-ins: here’s where the salad gets extra delicious. You’ll mix in kalamata and green olives, pepperoncini and crumbled feta cheese for salty, savory goodness.
• Herbs: basil and parsley give this orzo salad a wonderful freshness. Don’t skip them!
• For the dressing: we’re making a light Italian dressing with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt and pepper.

Wait, what are pepperoncini?

Although “pepperoncini” sounds like a mini pepperoni, it’s actually a type of pepper. Pepperoncini are yellow-green and look similar to banana peppers, but are thinner and often a bit spicier. You can usually find them jarred near olives at the grocery store! If you’re sensitive to spice or aren’t a fan of banana peppers, feel free to omit the pepperoncini in this recipe.

Easy ways to customize

You can absolutely mix and match ingredients to make this Italian orzo salad your own! Here are some recommendations:

• Choose your pasta: I love using orzo for this recipe but pearl couscous, bowties, or even fusilli would be great. If you want to get real wild toss everything with your fav tortellini!
• Have fun with mix-ins: you can really get creative with the veggies and mix-ins here. Black olives, artichokes hearts, salami, cubed provolone, shaved parmesan, or even mozzarella pearls.
• Add a boost of protein: this orzo salad would be delicious with grilled chicken, chickpeas or white beans!
• Go gluten free: simply use your favorite gluten free orzo or pasta shape to keep the entire recipe gluten free.

Two ways to cook orzo

We’ve established that orzo is a variety of pasta, not rice, but you can actually cook it both ways!

1. The pasta method: I typically cook orzo using this traditional pasta method. You’ll boil a large pot of water, add a pinch of salt, stir in orzo, and cook until al dente about 6-8 minutes. Once orzo is done cooking, drain it and set it aside in the colander.
2. The rice method: You can also cook it the same way you cook rice. In a pot bring the orzo and double the amount of water to a boil, lower the heat, cover your pot, and let the orzo simmer until all of the liquid is absorbed.

Make this orzo salad ahead of time

Probably what I love most about pasta salads is that they’re SO easy to prep ahead of time! A few days ahead of time you can either:

1. Chop up all of your veggies, cook your pasta and make your dressing, then store everything in separate containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble it.
2. OR make the whole Italian orzo salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy it!

Storing tips

Store any leftover Italian orzo salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy straight from the fridge!

More salad recipes you’ll love

Get all of my salad recipes here!

I hope you love this herby Italian orzo salad! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats