Za'atar Orzo Salad with Feta and Lemon

A bright, fresh orzo salad with salty feta, crisp cucumber, and sun-dried tomatoes, dressed in lemon and za'atar. Ready in under 20 minutes and perfect for warm days.

By Ricky Robinson Updated September 1, 2026

This orzo salad is one of those things that looks more impressive than it is to put together. The orzo cooks in about 10 minutes, and while it's cooling you can get everything else ready. The combination of ingredients is straightforward but it works well: the sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated, slightly sweet flavour, the cucumber keeps things fresh and crunchy, and the feta adds a salty creaminess that ties it all together.

Za'atar is what gives this salad its character. The blend of dried herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac adds an earthy, lemony note that you wouldn't get from any other spice.

The dressing is just olive oil, lemon juice, and za'atar whisked together, and it's better for being simple. A good extra virgin olive oil makes a difference here, so use one you actually like the taste of.

Za'atar Orzo Salad with Feta and Lemon recipe image
Za'atar Orzo Salad with Feta and Lemon

One thing worth knowing about orzo is that it benefits from being rinsed under cold water after cooking. It stops the grains clumping together and cools them down quickly, which means you can get the salad assembled without having to wait around. Make sure it's fully cool before you add the feta, or the cheese will start to melt into the dressing rather than sitting in neat cubes.

This salad serves four as a side dish or two as a light lunch. It's a good one for taking to a picnic or a barbecue because it travels well and doesn't need to be kept particularly cold. The flavours are also at their best at room temperature rather than straight from the fridge, which is handy. If you're making it ahead, hold back the cucumber and add it just before serving to keep it crisp. The parsley and chives can go in early without any issues.

It's the kind of thing you can put on the table and let people help themselves, and it goes with most things.

Za'atar Orzo Salad with Feta and Lemon

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
Calories 390 cal
Protein 12g

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Knife
  • Whisk
  • Small Bowl
  • Large Saucepan
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • Chopping Board

Instructions

  1. 1
    Cook the orzo in a large saucepan of well-salted boiling water according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold running water, then set aside to cool completely.
  2. 2
    While the orzo cools, prepare the remaining ingredients. Slice the cucumber thinly, cube the feta, and roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, and chives.
  3. 3
    In a small bowl or jug, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, za'atar, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper to make the dressing.
  4. 4
    Once the orzo is fully cooled, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and chives, then pour over the dressing and toss everything together well.
  5. 5
    Gently fold in the cubed feta, being careful not to break it up too much. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  6. 6
    Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving to allow the flavours to develop. Best enjoyed at room temperature.
Ricky Robinson - Recipe Author
Ricky Robinson

Home cook sharing delicious recipes with a focus on flavour and simplicity.

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Tips &
Extras

Plate it up

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad at room temperature for the best flavour. It works well alongside grilled chicken, lamb chops, or falafel, and it's substantial enough to stand on its own as a light lunch. A few extra fresh herbs scattered over the top before serving makes it look the part.

Make it yours

Variations

For a gluten-free version, swap the orzo for a gluten-free orzo or use cooked quinoa instead, which works particularly well with the za'atar dressing. You can also add halved cherry tomatoes if you don't have sun-dried tomatoes to hand, though the flavour will be lighter. For a vegan version, simply leave out the feta or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

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