Mediterranean Style Orzo Pasta Salad (Costco Copycat!)

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Imagine bold flavors and fresh ingredients tied together with an herby vinaigrette… that’s exactly what this Orzo Pasta Salad delivers! And it’s even better the next day, so prepare it when you have time and enjoy at your leisure.

titled: Costco Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad


 

No one can resist the salty feta, briny olive, and savory salami combo, which is why it always disappears first at potlucks. Why make a trip for the orzo pasta salad at Costco when you can make this easy copycat recipe instead!!

ingredients for orzo pasta salad costco recipe

Orzo Pasta Salad

This salad hits all the right notes! Salty, tangy, herby, a little meaty, and totally fresh. It’s like a Mediterranean vacation… in pasta form. 

The first time I made it for a backyard cookout, people hovered around the bowl like it was the main dish. 

And now? It’s on my regular meal prep rotation. That vinaigrette is bright, zippy, herby magic! It clings to every bite of pasta and somehow makes day-two leftovers even better. 

Seriously: Costco may have made this Mediterranean orzo pasta salad famous, but your homemade version? Total upgrade. Prepare to be asked for the recipe a lot.

cooked orzo pasta in a mixing bowl

INGREDIENT NOTES

  • Orzo Pasta: A tiny pasta shape that looks a lot like rice! It holds dressing super well and keeps the salad light and refreshing.
  • Calabrese Salami: This is a spicy, Italian-style salami made with chili peppers. Swap with Genoa or hard salami for less heat.
  • Feta Cheese: Always buy a block and crumble it yourself! The texture and flavor are so much better that way.

    If it’s too tangy for your taste, substitute goat cheese or freshly grated Parmesan.
  • Kalamata Olives: Deliciously rich and briny… just right for a Mediterranean pasta salad.

    Avoid the jarred kind if possible and grab these from the salad bar or deli section. You’ll need to pit them yourself.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: For juicy little pops of tart sweetness. Grape tomatoes will work in a pinch, or try heirloom for more variety.
  • Baby Spinach: Pick through and discard any wilted or funky-looking leaves. I also like to stack the spinach and chop off any long stems.
  • Vinaigrette: It’s so easy to make this yourself with some olive oil, white wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Minced garlic makes it punchy, while extra crumbled Feta helps to emulsify the mixture.

    Season with salt and some dried herbs, plus a pinch of sugar to balance it all out. If you want, feel free to replace the dried herbs with fresh parsley, basil, or dill.
mixed vinaigrette dressing for orzo pasta salad

VARIATIONS

Grain Swap: Use pearl couscous, ditalini, or even quinoa instead of orzo.

Vegetarian Version: Leave out the salami and add chickpeas or double the spinach.

Italian Flair: Add pepperoncini and swap in an Italian vinaigrette.

Herb Lover’s Edition: Stir in fresh dill, parsley, or mint for brightness.

Greek Inspired: Add red onion and cucumber, then replace the lemon juice with red wine vinegar.

adding chopped veggies and salami to cooked orzo in large mixing bowl

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO PASTA SALAD FAQ 

Do I have to rinse the orzo?

Yes… and for several reasons. Rinsing cools the pasta down quickly and stops it from continuing to cook, which keeps it from becoming mushy later. It also prevents the spinach from wilting.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I actually recommend it! More time in the fridge allows the flavors to mix and mingle. Trust me, orzo pasta salad tastes even better after a few hours or even the next day.

What else can I add to orzo pasta salad from Costco?

You can never go wrong with extra veggies! Diced cucumbers are crunchy and refreshing, while roasted red peppers make the flavor extra bold.

And speaking of crunch, why not add some toasted pine nuts? Toss the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a minute or two, stirring often so they don’t burn. Once they’re golden and fragrant, let them cool.

For a full meal, toss some diced grilled chicken or shrimp right into the mix. I’ve even added leftover rotisserie chicken to orzo pasta salad with feta for a quick weeknight meal!

I’ve made dozens of pasta salads, but this combo always delivers. The trick is in the balance: hearty enough to feel satisfying, but still light and refreshing. 

Using pasta that’s rinsed and cooled keeps the greens from wilting, and making your own vinaigrette allows you to control the flavor and salt. 

I always recommend using block feta and chopping the salami small so you get a little of everything in each bite!

DONNA’S PRO TIPS

  • Chop the spinach finely so it blends evenly throughout the salad.
  • Don’t overdress the pasta up front. Start with ¾ of the vinaigrette and save the rest to refresh before serving.
  • Cool the pasta completely before adding the other ingredients to prevent wilting.
  • Use a high-quality olive oil for the vinaigrette. It really makes a difference in flavor!
  • This makes a great meal prep lunch with grilled chicken or chickpeas added in.
  • Store leftovers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Extra dressing will keep for up to 5 days in a jar.

TOOLS NEEDED

wooden bowl full of orzo pasta salad

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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closeup of costco orzo pasta salad

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closeup of orzo pasta salad

Mediterranean Style Orzo Pasta Salad (Costco Copycat!)

Donna Elick
This zesty Orzo Pasta Salad is even better than Costco’s, and it’s so easy to make yourself! Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and meal prep.
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
chill time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Method Mixed
Servings 12

Ingredients
 

Salad:

  • 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
  • 8 ounces Calabrese salami, cut into small cubes
  • 8 ounces block feta, crumbled (about 2 cups)
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives, halved
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (about 10 ounces)
  • 2 cups packed baby spinach, chopped (about 2 ounces)

Mediterranean Vinaigrette:

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 ounce block feta, crumbled (about ¼ cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  • Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, water, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, feta, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and sugar until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
  • Combine the Salad: Add cubed salami, crumbled feta, olives, cherry tomatoes, and chopped spinach to the orzo. Pour about ¾ of the vinaigrette over the mixture.
  • Toss and Chill: Toss the salad until evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for even better flavor.
  • Finish and Serve: Before serving, toss the salad again and add more vinaigrette if desired. Serve chilled.

Donna’s Notes

Make-Ahead Tips: This salad is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the day before for even better flavor. Add a splash of extra dressing just before serving to refresh.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Leftover Dressing: Keep any leftover vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake or whisk before using.
Customization Ideas: Add diced cucumbers for extra crunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 332cal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 1048mg | Sugar: 2g | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 137mg | Iron: 1mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Costco Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad -PIN

Originally published August 2025

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