Orzo Lemon Salad Recipe
A refreshing and zesty Orzo Lemon Salad combining tender orzo pasta with crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a bright lemon dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked orzo
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing & Cheese
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Sea salt, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, usually around 7 minutes according to package instructions.
- Drain and cool: Drain the orzo and rinse it well under cold water until cool to the touch. Shake off any excess water thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Prepare the vegetables and lemon: While the orzo cooks, chop the red bell pepper, dice the celery and onion, and roughly chop the parsley. Zest the lemon, then juice it.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooled orzo with the chopped vegetables, crumbled feta, and parsley. Drizzle the olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest over the mixture. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste, starting with small amounts and adjusting after tasting.
- Toss and serve: Gently toss everything until well coated. Serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for 30–60 minutes to allow flavors to meld. If chilled, stir before serving and add a small drizzle of olive oil if the salad firms up or the oil solidifies.
Notes
- Rinsing the orzo with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents it from sticking together.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- For extra crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or chopped cucumbers.
- If you prefer a tangier taste, add more lemon juice or zest.
- Use good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavor of the dressing.
Keywords: orzo salad, lemon salad, Mediterranean salad, vegetarian pasta salad, feta cheese salad
Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/orzo-lemon-salad-recipe/
