Gordon Ramsay Orzo Pasta Salad is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender orzo pasta with fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and aromatic herbs. Light yet satisfying, this pasta salad is perfect for summer picnics, light lunches, or as a refreshing side dish. Packed with bold flavors and a beautiful presentation, this recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers.
What is Gordon Ramsay’s Orzo Pasta Salad?
Gordon Ramsay Orzo Pasta Salad is a cold pasta salad made with orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully. Tossed with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing, this dish is full of Mediterranean flavors. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes
- Gordon Ramsay Caprese Salad
- Gordon Ramsay Chicken Caesar Salad
- Gordon Ramsay Dijon Salad Dressing
- Gordon Ramsay Greek Salad
Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay’s Orzo Pasta Salad
- Light yet filling – Orzo pasta gives a satisfying texture without being too heavy.
- Bursting with fresh flavors – Bright, zesty dressing and fresh herbs enhance the dish.
- Quick and easy to prepare – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep – Stays fresh in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
- Versatile and customizable – Add proteins, extra veggies, or different cheeses to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay’s Orzo Pasta Salad
For the Salad:
- 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay’s Orzo Pasta Salad
Cook the Orzo:
- Boil water – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta – Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain and cool – Drain the orzo and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Dressing:
- Whisk the ingredients – In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and oregano.
Assemble the Salad:
- Combine ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss with dressing – Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
- Add fresh herbs – Stir in chopped parsley and basil for extra freshness.
Serve:
- Chill before serving – Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and enjoy – Serve with extra feta, olives, or a sprinkle of black pepper.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay’s Orzo Pasta Salad?
Grilled chicken or shrimp
Adds protein and makes it a hearty main course.
Toasted pita bread or garlic bread
Perfect for scooping up the flavorful dressing.
Roasted vegetables
Enhances the Mediterranean flavors with a smoky touch.
Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce
A creamy contrast to the zesty dressing.
Chilled white wine or lemonade
Complements the freshness of the salad.
Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay’s Orzo Pasta Salad
Rinse the orzo for the best texture
Cooling the orzo under cold water stops it from becoming sticky.
Let the salad sit before serving
Allowing it to rest helps the flavors blend together.
Use fresh lemon juice for brightness
Bottled lemon juice lacks the fresh citrus punch needed for the dressing.
Customize with extra vegetables
Bell peppers, spinach, or artichokes add more color and nutrients.
Adjust seasoning to taste
Taste before serving and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay’s Orzo Pasta Salad
Spicy Orzo Salad
Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a kick.
Protein-Packed Version
Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Vegan Orzo Salad
Omit feta and use a dairy-free alternative or toasted pine nuts.
Mediterranean Roasted Orzo Salad
Use roasted red peppers and sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
Pesto Orzo Salad
Toss with basil pesto instead of lemon dressing for a different flavor profile.
Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay’s Orzo Pasta Salad
Refrigerate properly
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep dressing separate for meal prep
If storing longer, keep the dressing separate and mix before serving.
Best served cold or room temperature
Avoid reheating, as it tastes best when chilled.
Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay’s Orzo Pasta Salad
No need to reheat
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
Refresh with extra dressing
If the salad seems dry, toss with a little olive oil and lemon juice before serving.
Refrigerate leftovers immediately
For best freshness, store leftovers promptly in a sealed container.
Final Words
Gordon Ramsay’s Orzo Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings Mediterranean ingredients together beautifully. Whether served as a light meal, a side dish, or part of a summer picnic, this salad delivers bright and satisfying flavors with every bite. Try this delicious pasta salad today for a refreshing twist on a classic dish!
PrintGordon Ramsay Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe – A Fresh and Flavorful Dish
Gordon Ramsay Orzo Pasta Salad is a cold pasta salad made with orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully. Tossed with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing, this dish is full of Mediterranean flavors. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling & Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
Cook the Orzo:
- Boil water – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta – Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain and cool – Drain the orzo and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Dressing:
- Whisk the ingredients – In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and oregano.
Assemble the Salad:
- Combine ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss with dressing – Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
- Add fresh herbs – Stir in chopped parsley and basil for extra freshness.
Serve:
- Chill before serving – Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and enjoy – Serve with extra feta, olives, or a sprinkle of black pepper.