Zesty Lemon Orzo Salad: Bright, Fresh & So Simple (Print Version)

Zesty Lemon Orzo Salad is a vibrant, easy dish for any occasion. My simple tricks make this fresh pasta salad a quick favorite.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Orzo Salad Ingredients

01 - 1 cup orzo pasta
02 - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 large cucumber, diced
04 - 1/4 red onion, finely minced

→ Zesty Lemon Dressing

05 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
06 - 1 tbsp lemon zest
07 - 1/4 cup good quality olive oil
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Fresh Herbs & Crunch

10 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
11 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
12 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

→ Optional Add-ins

13 - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved
14 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that orzo cooking! Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil – and I mean *salted*, like the sea. Toss in your orzo and cook according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, until it's al dente. This is where I always forget to salt the water enough, then it tastes bland. Once it’s done, drain it well. Super important! Then, immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent it from clumping. This step makes all the difference for a good Zesty Lemon Orzo Salad.
02 - While the orzo is chilling out, get chopping! Halve those cherry tomatoes, dice your cucumber, and finely mince the red onion. Give your fresh parsley and dill a good chop too. I like to lay everything out on a big cutting board; it's less messy than trying to use a million small bowls. Just smell that fresh dill and lemon zest as you’re chopping – it’s already making the kitchen smell amazing, even with my usual chopping chaos!
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, and minced garlic. Season it with a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Give it a taste. Does it need more lemon? More salt? This is *your* Zesty Lemon Orzo Salad, so adjust it to your liking! I often add a tiny splash more olive oil if it feels too acidic, or a bit more lemon if I'm craving extra tang. Don't be shy with the seasoning, it makes the whole dish sing.
04 - Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, combine your cooled orzo, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and dill. Pour that glorious Zesty Lemon Dressing over everything. Give it a really good toss to make sure every single piece of orzo and every veggie gets coated in that vibrant dressing. This is where the magic happens, and sometimes I get a bit messy, but it’s worth it!
05 - Gently crumble in your feta cheese and toss again. If you're adding olives or chickpeas, now's the time! For the best flavor, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. An hour is even better. This chilling time allows all those beautiful flavors to meld and deepen. I’ve been impatient and eaten it right away, and it's still good, but honestly, the chill makes it shine.
06 - When you’re ready to serve, give the Zesty Lemon Orzo Salad another quick stir. Sometimes I add a fresh sprig of dill or an extra lemon wedge on top for presentation. It looks so bright and inviting! This dish is so versatile; it's perfect for a picnic, a light lunch, or a side dish for dinner. My kitchen might be a bit of a mess, but this salad? It's always a winner, smelling so fresh and tasting even better.

# Notes:

01 - Always rinse your cooked orzo under cold water; it stops cooking and prevents a sticky, clumpy mess.
02 - This Zesty Lemon Orzo Salad keeps well for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
03 - No dill? Fresh mint or a bit of dried oregano can work in a pinch for a different flavor.
04 - Serve with grilled chicken or a crisp white wine to make this dish extra special.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - whisk
05 - large mixing bowl
06 - airtight container

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 8g

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