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Easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

Easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

5.3 from 12 reviews

This easy lemon orzo pasta salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. The combination of orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing creates a delicious Mediterranean-inspired salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo Pasta:

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta

Vegetables:

  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 cup cucumber (diced)
  • ½ cup red bell pepper (diced)
  • ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo – Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables – While the orzo cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and optional spinach. Crumble the feta cheese and chop your herbs.
  3. Make the Dressing – In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Combine the Salad – In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, all the chopped veggies, feta, and herbs. Pour the dressing over the top and toss well to coat.
  5. Chill and Serve – For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Before serving, give it a good toss. If needed, add a little more olive oil or lemon juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon orzo pasta salad, Mediterranean salad, orzo salad recipe