Lemon Orzo Salad
This Lemon Orzo Salad is a fresh, light, and flavorful Mediterranean-style dish made with tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a bright lemon dressing. It’s perfect as a healthy side dish, summer salad, or light main course. Easy to prepare and full of zesty flavor, this salad is ideal for meal prep, picnics, and gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint or basil, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Lemon Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the orzo and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint or basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the lemon dressing over the orzo mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Add feta cheese if using and mix lightly.
- Let the salad rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
- For a vegan version, simply skip the feta cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g