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LEMON ORZO SALAD centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Yesica Andrews

Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe Easy Fresh and Delicious

This Lemon Orzo Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring tender orzo pasta tossed with fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and tangy feta cheese. Coated in a bright and slightly sweet lemon vinaigrette, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light side that bursts with flavor.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 336

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dried orzo pasta approximately 12 oz
  • 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes sliced in half or quartered if they're large
  • 1 cup chopped cucumbers I like to use the mini cucumbers and slice them in rounds
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/3 – 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 6 oz crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large clove garlic pressed grated or very finely minced
  • 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil, adding plenty of salt. Cook the orzo until it's just tender, following the package guidelines for al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water until cool, letting it drain completely.
  2. Transfer the drained orzo to a big bowl and add the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, chopped red onion, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese; toss gently to combine and set it aside.
  3. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the orzo salad and fold everything together carefully with a spoon or spatula until the ingredients are evenly coated with the lemon vinaigrette.
  5. Serve the salad right away for the freshest flavor or cover and chill it in the fridge for up to four days to develop the flavors further.

Notes

  • This recipe is designed to serve 8 but can be adjusted as needed. For best taste, serve the salad fresh or within a few days. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Nutritional info is approximate.