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Easy • Sides

Zesty Lemon Herb Orzo Salad

This bright and refreshing orzo salad, packed with fresh herbs, veggies, and a zesty lemon dressing, is perfect for any occasion.

Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Servings
6
Level
Easy
Zesty Lemon Herb Orzo Salad

Meet your new favorite side dish, lunch, or light dinner! This Zesty Lemon Herb Orzo Salad is incredibly vibrant, bursting with fresh flavors, and surprisingly easy to whip up. It's a fantastic make-ahead option for meal prep, picnics, or simply a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying dish. The lemon dressing ties all the wonderful textures and tastes together beautifully!

Ingredients

Yield: 6 servings

Orzo Salad

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • ½ English cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped

Lemon Herb Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook the orzo according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool completely.

  2. Step 2

    While the orzo cooks and cools, prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

  3. Step 3

    In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh dill.

  4. Step 4

    Pour the lemon herb dressing over the orzo mixture. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

  5. Step 5

    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can also serve it immediately.

  6. Step 6

    Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish, light lunch, or even with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors!

Tips

  • Rinsing the cooked orzo with cold water is important for salads to prevent it from clumping and getting sticky.
  • For extra protein, add cooked shredded chicken, canned tuna, or white beans.
  • This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.

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