What to Serve with Orzo Salad: Your Guide to 41 Pairings

We all know that a great meal isn’t just about the main dish; the sidekick can steal the show, too. If you’re a fan of the versatile and delightful orzo salad, you’re in for a treat as we’ve curated a lip-smacking list of dishes that pair perfectly with this Mediterranean favorite.

So, ready to discover your next unforgettable culinary duo?

Dive in and find the pairing that tickles your taste buds just right!

Your culinary adventure is just a click away, explore the categories below and feel free to jump around.

Grilled Meat or Fish

Orzo salad can be a wonderful side dish for any type of grilled meat or fish. This might include chicken breast marinated in herbs and lemon, a succulent steak grilled to perfection, tender pork chops, or a flaky, well-seasoned salmon or tuna steak.

The light, refreshing flavors of the orzo salad work as a counterbalance to the intense, smoky flavors of the grilled protein.

Grilled Chicken Breast

Grilled chicken is probably the easiest and quickest option. Marinate the chicken breast in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme before grilling. The clean, simple flavors of grilled chicken mesh well with the vibrant taste of orzo salad.

To pair, just place a serving of orzo salad alongside the grilled chicken on a plate. The contrasting flavors will complement each other.

Herb-Marinated Grilled Pork Chops

Pork chops can be marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Once they’re grilled, they have a rich, savory flavor that is complemented nicely by a fresh, zesty orzo salad.

You can serve a grilled pork chop atop a bed of orzo salad, allowing the juices from the pork to mix with the salad and enhance its flavor.

Grilled Salmon

For a pescatarian option, consider grilling a salmon fillet with a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. The rich, fatty flavor of salmon is beautifully offset by a lemony orzo salad.

You could serve the orzo salad alongside the salmon or even slightly underneath, letting the salad absorb some of the salmon’s delicious flavors.

Whip up this Easy Grilled Salmon (Perfectly Seasoned!) from A Couple Cooks.

Grilled Lamb Chops

The garlic and rosemary grilled lamb chops can be beautifully paired with orzo salad. The robust, savory flavors of the lamb chops, accentuated by the garlic and rosemary, pair wonderfully with the mild and refreshing orzo salad. The orzo salad’s lightness helps to cleanse the palate between bites of the rich lamb, ensuring a pleasant eating experience.

To serve, plate the lamb chops next to a generous scoop of orzo salad, making sure to have a balance of both in each bite for a harmonious flavor profile.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Explore Garlic and Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops on Delish D’Lites for more.

Roasted Vegetables

A dish of assorted roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, onions, eggplants, or sweet potatoes pairs excellently with orzo salad. The caramelized, slightly sweet flavor of the vegetables can complement the fresh and savory elements of the salad.

Simple Roasted Vegetables

Start with an easy mix of your favorite vegetables – bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, onions, all chopped, tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then roasted until tender and slightly caramelized.

These simple, yet flavorful vegetables complement the bright flavors in the orzo salad. Serve the roasted vegetables and orzo salad side by side for a light yet satisfying meal.

Feeling hungry? Take a look at How to Roast Vegetables! on Minimalist Baker.

(Roasted vegetables also make a great pairing with baked ziti and work well with pesto pasta.)

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Brussel sprouts roasted until crispy and then drizzled with a sweet-tart balsamic reduction can pair beautifully with orzo salad. The sprouts’ bitterness and the balsamic’s acidity offset the salad’s creaminess.

Drizzle the balsamic glaze over both the sprouts and the salad to tie the flavors together.

Check out this delicious Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic-Maple Glaze recipe from Yay! For Food.

Roasted Root Vegetables

The roasted root vegetables recipe makes an excellent pairing with orzo salad. The rich, caramelized flavors of the root vegetables contrast beautifully with the fresh, vibrant elements of the orzo salad, creating a balanced and hearty meal. Moreover, the added sweetness from the balsamic vinegar complements the savory notes in the orzo salad.

To serve, place the roasted vegetables beside a portion of the orzo salad, allowing for a delightful medley of flavors in each bite.

Check out this delicious Roasted Root Vegetables recipe from Simple Joy.

Vegetable Wellington

The vegan vegetable wellington recipe pairs nicely with orzo salad. The wellington, with its savory mix of roasted butternut squash, mushrooms, and chestnuts enclosed in a flaky puff pastry, creates a delightful contrast with the light, fresh orzo salad. The richness of the wellington is nicely balanced by the simple, vibrant flavors of the orzo salad.

To serve, slice the wellington and plate it alongside a generous helping of orzo salad for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Sounds like something up your alley? Here’s the Vegan Vegetable Wellington recipe, courtesy of Full of Plants.

Mediterranean Dishes

Given that orzo salad often includes Mediterranean ingredients like kalamata olives, feta cheese, and sundried tomatoes, it’s a natural companion to other dishes from the region. Think Greek souvlaki skewers, crispy Middle Eastern falafel, or hearty Greek gyros wrapped in warm pita bread.

Greek Tzatziki and Pita Bread

This is an incredibly simple and flavorful dish that goes well with orzo salad. The tangy, refreshing tzatziki sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs complement the ingredients of an orzo salad perfectly.

Serve this with warm pita bread and a side of orzo salad for a light and satisfying meal.

Feeling hungry? Take a look at Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe {Garlic Cucumber Yogurt Dip} on This Old Gal.

(The same tzatziki sauce can work wonders if you top your branzino with it, or stuff your lamb meatballs in the pita bread and top them with tzatziki.)

Falafel

Falafel is a classic Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, and then deep-fried. The crispy exterior and soft interior of falafels complement the soft texture of orzo salad, and their hearty flavors pair well with the salad’s fresh ingredients.

Serve a plate of falafels with a side of orzo salad, or stuff falafel and orzo salad into a pita for a delicious sandwich.

Treat yourself to this amazing Falafel from smitten kitchen.

Greek Souvlaki (Tender, Juicy, Easy!)

This recipe for Greek souvlaki is a great pairing with orzo salad because both dishes feature Mediterranean flavors and ingredients. The tender and juicy pork souvlaki complements the light and refreshing orzo salad, creating a well-balanced meal.

Serve the souvlaki skewers alongside a generous portion of orzo salad, allowing the flavors to mingle and create a delicious combination. The combination of the savory souvlaki and the tangy, herb-infused orzo salad will satisfy your taste buds and transport you to the Mediterranean.

Sounds like something up your alley? Here’s the Greek Souvlaki (Tender, Juicy, Easy!) recipe, courtesy of Wholesome Yum | Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less..

Greek Gyros

Gyros usually involves slices of marinated and roasted meat (often pork, chicken, or lamb) stuffed into pita bread along with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki sauce, and sometimes fries.

The rich flavors and textures of a gyro sandwich can be balanced by serving with a side of refreshing orzo salad.

Treat yourself to this amazing Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki from RecipeTin Eats.

Moussaka

The “big fat Greek moussaka” recipe fits perfectly with orzo salad, embracing the shared Mediterranean culinary traditions. The hearty moussaka, layered with savory meat, eggplant, potatoes, and creamy bechamel sauce, is balanced out by the freshness and lightness of the orzo salad. The bright flavors of the salad can cut through the richness of the moussaka, providing a balanced, satisfying meal.

To serve, place a generous slice of moussaka on a plate with a side of orzo salad, allowing your guests to enjoy a bite of each in turn for the full Mediterranean experience.

Why not try My Big Fat Greek Moussaka Recipe from Hilda’s Kitchen Blog today?

Baba Ghanoush and Pita

This dish involves roasting an eggplant, scooping out the soft interior, and mixing it with tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. It’s a bit more complex than the other dishes listed but offers a rich, smoky flavor that pairs excellently with orzo salad.

Serve the baba ghanoush as a dip with warm pita bread and a side of orzo salad.

Craving this? Check out the Baba Ganoush recipe from Savory Simple.

Grilled Seafood

Seafood grills featuring items like prawns, scallops, or lobsters are another good match for orzo salad. The delicate flavors of seafood can be enhanced by the robust and varied flavors in the orzo salad, particularly if it includes ingredients like lemon, parsley, and capers.

Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp

This recipe for grilled chimichurri shrimp is a good pairing with orzo salad because both dishes have complementary flavors. The chimichurri sauce adds a tangy and herbaceous element to the grilled shrimp, which pairs well with the orzo salad’s lemon, parsley, and capers.

Serving the grilled shrimp on a bed of orzo salad allows the flavors to blend together, creating a delicious and well-balanced meal. The combination of the grilled seafood and the robust flavors in the orzo salad creates a satisfying and flavorful dish.

Fancy this? Check out Grilled Chimichurri Shrimp from Snixy Kitchen.

Grilled Scallops with Lemon Butter

Scallops are grilled and then drizzled with a simple lemon butter sauce. The sweet, delicate scallops and the tangy sauce pair well with a robust orzo salad.

Serve the scallops with a side of orzo salad for a gourmet meal.

Why not try Lemon Butter Sauce for Fish from RecipeTin Eats today?

Garlic Grilled Shrimp

This recipe for garlic grilled shrimp is a good pairing with orzo salad because the delicate flavors of the seafood complement the robust and varied flavors in the salad. The combination of lemon, parsley, and capers in the orzo salad enhances the taste of the shrimp.

To serve it with orzo salad, simply plate the grilled shrimp alongside a generous portion of the salad, allowing the flavors to mingle and create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Feeling inspired? Try this Garlic Grilled Shrimp from Spend With Pennies.

Grilled Lobster Tail

This recipe for grilled lobster tail is a good pairing with orzo salad because the delicate flavors of the lobster are complemented by the robust and varied flavors in the salad. The lemon, parsley, and capers in the orzo salad can enhance the taste of the grilled lobster, creating a harmonious combination.

To serve, you can plate the grilled lobster tail alongside a generous portion of orzo salad, allowing the flavors to mingle and create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Loving this? Grilled Lobster Tail on Amanda’s Cookin’ is where you find the instruction.

Barbecue Foods

If you’re planning a backyard barbecue, consider adding orzo salad to the menu. It works well with classic barbecue dishes like juicy burgers, flavorful hot dogs, tangy BBQ chicken, or sticky, slow-cooked ribs. The salad can provide a light, refreshing contrast to the rich, meaty barbecue dishes.

Grilled Hot Dogs

An easy classic. Grilled hot dogs are quick, tasty, and a favorite at any barbecue. You can have an array of condiments and toppings available for people to customize their hot dog. The simplicity and robust flavor of a hot dog pair well with a more complex orzo salad.

Serve a hot dog alongside a helping of orzo salad for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Sauce

This recipe for smash burgers with easy sauce is a great pairing with orzo salad because it provides a delicious and satisfying main dish option for a backyard barbecue.

The juicy and flavorful burgers, topped with melted cheddar cheese and a tangy sauce, complement the light and refreshing nature of the orzo salad. The combination of the meaty burgers and the refreshing salad creates a well-rounded and balanced meal that will please your guests.

Serve the burgers alongside a generous portion of orzo salad for a complete and satisfying barbecue experience.

Sounds interesting? Check out this Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Sauce from NatashasKitchen.com.

Grilled Chicken Thighs

Marinate the chicken thighs in barbecue sauce and then grill until they’re juicy and slightly charred. The tangy, smoky flavors of the barbecue sauce pair well with a refreshing orzo salad.

Serve the grilled chicken thighs on a platter with a bowl of orzo salad on the side.

BBQ Baby Back Ribs

The recipe for BBQ baby back ribs is a good pairing with orzo salad because it provides a rich and meaty main dish that can be balanced out by the light and refreshing flavors of the salad. The tanginess of the BBQ sauce and the smoky flavors from the ribs complement the orzo salad’s fresh ingredients, such as herbs, vegetables, and a light dressing.

Serving the ribs alongside the orzo salad creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal for a backyard barbecue.

Dive into deliciousness with this BBQ Baby Back Ribs + Video from Kevin Is Cooking.

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sandwiches

This recipe for slow cooker Hawaiian pulled pork sandwiches is a good pairing with orzo salad because it provides a balance of flavors and textures. The juicy and flavorful pulled pork, combined with the tangy and sweet pineapple barbecue sauce, complements the light and refreshing orzo salad.

Serving the pulled pork sandwiches alongside the orzo salad adds a contrasting element to the rich and meaty barbecue dishes, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal option for a backyard barbecue.

Feeling hungry? Take a look at Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sandwiches on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Picnic Foods

Orzo salad is easy to transport and can be served at room temperature, making it an ideal choice for picnics or potlucks. It can pair well with various picnic foods like gourmet sandwiches, hearty wraps, or crispy fried chicken. The salad can provide a fresh, vibrant addition to your picnic spread.

Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

This is the simplest, most straightforward picnic food. Use good-quality ham and cheese and serve on a crusty baguette or soft sandwich bread. The robust flavors of the ham and cheese balance the light, tangy orzo salad.

Pack your sandwiches and orzo salad separately and enjoy them together at your picnic spot.

Caprese Wraps

These wraps are filled with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. The fresh, vibrant flavors in the wrap are complemented by the orzo salad.

Make your wraps and pack them with your orzo salad for a light, satisfying picnic lunch.

(Caprese wraps are also a great side to Tuscan chicken.)

Instant Pot Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

This recipe for Instant Pot chicken Caesar salad wrap is a good pairing with orzo salad because it offers a contrasting flavor and texture. The creamy chicken Caesar filling of the wrap complements the light and refreshing orzo salad.

To serve, you can either enjoy the wrap alongside a serving of orzo salad or incorporate the orzo salad into the wrap for added texture and flavor. The combination of these two dishes will create a well-rounded and satisfying picnic meal.

Fancy this? Check out Instant Pot Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap from Monday Is Meatloaf.

Smoked Salmon Bagels

This is a more luxurious picnic food. Top bagels with cream cheese, smoked salmon, red onion, and capers. The rich, smoky salmon and the tangy toppings are beautifully balanced by the orzo salad.

Pack your bagels and orzo salad separately to assemble at your picnic spot.

Greek Pita Sandwiches

Fill pita bread with ingredients like grilled chicken, tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. The Mediterranean flavors in the pita sandwich complement the flavors in an orzo salad. Pack your pita sandwiches and orzo salad separately to keep the pita from getting soggy.

Italian-Style BLT Sandwiches

The Italian-style BLT sandwiches would be a great pairing with orzo salad because they both offer a combination of flavors and textures. The salty and crispy pancetta, creamy provolone, and tangy mustard in the sandwiches complement the fresh and vibrant orzo salad.

To serve, you can pack the sandwiches and orzo salad separately, allowing each person to assemble their own sandwich and enjoy it alongside a scoop of the refreshing salad. This pairing would add variety and satisfaction to your picnic spread.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Explore Italian-Style BLT Sandwiches on What Should I Make For… – Recipes for breakfast, dessert and everything else. for more.

Fried Chicken

A picnic classic, fried chicken requires a bit more effort but is worth it. The crunchy, flavorful chicken is a rich, satisfying contrast to the light orzo salad.

Pack your fried chicken and orzo salad separately to keep the chicken crispy.

Vegan and Vegetarian Dishes

For vegan or vegetarian diets, orzo salad can pair well with a variety of dishes. Consider tofu stir-fries with a mix of colorful vegetables or bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of grains and veggies. Just ensure your orzo salad is prepared with vegetable broth and skip any cheese to keep it vegan.

Vegan Wraps

Stuff tortillas with a mix of raw veggies such as lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and avocado. Add some hummus for protein and flavor. The fresh, crunchy wraps complement the tender orzo salad. Pack your wraps and orzo salad separately and enjoy them together.

Give your taste buds a treat with this Vegan Wraps with Balsamic Tofu & Hummus from Connoisseurus Veg.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

A simple stir-fry of mixed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas with a light soy or teriyaki sauce. The savory stir-fry and fresh orzo salad balance each other out. Serve the stir-fry with a side of orzo salad for a quick, healthy meal.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Explore Frozen Vegetable Stir-Fry on Last Ingredient for more.

Tofu Stir-Fry

This is similar to the vegetable stir-fry, but with the addition of tofu for protein. The tofu can be marinated and pan-fried for extra flavor. Serve the tofu stir-fry with a side of orzo salad for a balanced, vegan-friendly meal.

Craving this? Check out the Jamaican Jerk Style Tofu Stir Fry recipe from Healthy Nibbles by Lisa Lin.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Skewer chunks of bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes, then grill them until charred. The smoky grilled vegetables complement the fresh, tangy orzo salad.

Serve the skewers with a side of orzo salad for a summery, vegan-friendly meal.

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers For Two

This recipe for vegetarian stuffed peppers is a good pairing with orzo salad because it provides a flavorful and satisfying main dish that complements the light and refreshing nature of the salad. The stuffed peppers are filled with a mixture of rice, tomatoes, black beans, and cheese, which adds a variety of textures and flavors to the meal. Serving it with orzo salad adds a different grain element to the plate and provides a well-rounded and balanced vegetarian meal option.

The orzo salad can be served alongside the stuffed peppers, allowing guests to enjoy a combination of flavors and textures.

Why not try Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers For Two from Homemade In The Kitchen today?

Vegan Lasagna

This vegan lasagna recipe is a good pairing with orzo salad because both dishes are plant-based and complement each other well in terms of flavors and textures. The lasagna provides a hearty and satisfying main dish with layers of lentils, tofu ricotta, and marinara sauce, while the orzo salad adds a refreshing and light element to the meal.

To serve, simply plate a portion of the lasagna alongside a side of orzo salad for a complete and delicious vegan meal.

Sounds like something up your alley? Here’s the Vegan Lasagna (Fast & Easy!) recipe, courtesy of Detoxinista.

Greek Dishes

Considering orzo’s Greek origins, it pairs perfectly with traditional Greek dishes: spanakopita, a savory spinach and feta pie; or lamb kebabs marinated in olive oil, lemon, and oregano could all be accompanied by a side of orzo salad.

Greek Lemon Chicken Kebabs

This recipe is a good pairing with orzo salad because both dishes have Mediterranean flavors that complement each other well. The Greek lemon chicken kebabs bring a tangy and herbaceous taste, while the orzo salad provides a refreshing and creamy element. Serving the kebabs with orzo salad adds a satisfying and filling component to the meal, making it a well-rounded and delicious combination.

The orzo salad can be served as a side dish alongside the kebabs.

Sounds interesting? Check out this Greek Lemon Chicken Kebabs from A Saucy Kitchen.

Spanakopita

A savory spinach and feta pie wrapped in flaky phyllo dough. The creamy, tangy flavors of the pie are balanced out by the refreshing orzo salad.

Serve a slice of spanakopita with a side of orzo salad for a balanced Greek meal.

Sounds like something up your alley? Here’s the Spanakopita recipe, courtesy of RecipeTin Eats.

Greek Lamb Kebabs (Lamb Souvlaki)

This recipe for Greek lamb kebabs is a good pairing with orzo salad because both dishes have Mediterranean flavors and ingredients. The kebabs are marinated in olive oil, lemon, and oregano, which complements the light and refreshing taste of the orzo salad.

The orzo salad can be served as a side dish alongside the kebabs, providing a satisfying and balanced meal.

Fancy this? Check out Greek Lamb Kebabs (Lamb Souvlaki) from Sugar Salt Magic.

Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)

These are meatballs seasoned with mint, oregano, and onion. The flavorful meatballs are balanced out by the light orzo salad. Serve a few meatballs with a side of orzo salad for a satisfying Greek meal.

Feeling inspired? Try this Easy Greek Meatballs from Chili to Choc.

Pastitsio

This recipe for pastitsio is a good pairing with orzo salad because both dishes have Greek origins and complement each other well in terms of flavors and textures. The creamy and cheesy pastitsio pairs nicely with the light and refreshing orzo salad, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

To serve, simply plate a portion of the pastitsio alongside a side of the orzo salad, allowing the flavors to complement each other on the plate.

Treat yourself to this amazing Pastitsio from Slimming Eats.