I love making fresh, simple salads, and lemon orzo salad has quickly become one of my favorites. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with bright flavors. The first time I made this salad, I was looking for something that was easy to throw together but still tasted like I put in some effort. I wanted a dish that felt fresh but filling enough to serve as a meal or a side dish.

After trying different combinations, I landed on this recipe—perfectly cooked orzo pasta, crisp vegetables, and a simple lemon dressing that ties everything together. Whether I serve it with grilled chicken for dinner or make a batch to keep in the fridge for quick lunches, this salad always disappears fast. It’s one of those recipes that just works, no matter the occasion.

Servings	Total
6	20mins

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

I first tried a lemon orzo salad at a friend’s summer cookout, and I was hooked after the first bite. It was different from the usual pasta salads—lighter, tangier, and packed with fresh ingredients.

When I asked about the recipe, my friend mentioned it was just orzo pasta with lemon, olive oil, and some chopped veggies. That sounded easy enough, so I started experimenting at home, adding a few extra touches like feta cheese and fresh herbs. Now, I make this salad all the time, and it’s a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want something fresh and flavorful.

Why Lemon Orzo Salad?

There are so many reasons to love this lemon orzo salad. Here’s why it’s one of my go-to dishes:

Light and Refreshing: The lemon dressing gives it a bright, tangy flavor.
Easy to Make: It comes together in about 20 minutes.
Great for Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for quick lunches.
Pairs with Everything: You can serve it as a side or add protein to make it a meal.

What Is Lemon Orzo Salad Made Of?

This salad is made with a handful of fresh, simple ingredients:

Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly.
Lemon Dressing: Fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and a little garlic for flavor.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion add crunch and freshness.
Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy element.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or basil give it an extra burst of freshness.

What to Have with Lemon Orzo Salad

Lemon orzo salad pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some great options:

Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast makes it a complete meal.
Salmon: The lemony dressing pairs beautifully with salmon.
Shrimp: Toss in some grilled or sautéed shrimp for extra protein.
Hummus and Pita: A great option if you want a Mediterranean-style meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.

Is Lemon Orzo Salad Healthy?

Yes! This salad is packed with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and protein from feta cheese. You can also make it even healthier by using whole wheat orzo and reducing the cheese if needed.

Kitchen Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

A medium pot for cooking the orzo
A colander for draining the pasta
A mixing bowl for tossing the salad
A sharp knife and cutting board
A whisk for making the dressing

IngredDirections:ients

For the Salad:

1 cup orzo pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped

For the Lemon Dressing:

¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Directions:

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes).
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion.
Chop the fresh parsley or basil.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and toss again.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately, or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld.
Enjoy as a side dish or add protein for a complete meal.

Tips

Rinse the Orzo: Rinsing in cold water stops it from overcooking and keeps it from sticking together.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice won’t have the same fresh flavor.
Let It Chill: If you have time, let the salad sit in the fridge for an hour—it tastes even better!
Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

How long does lemon orzo salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo, you can use small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even quinoa.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Just leave out the feta or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What’s the best way to serve this salad for a party?
Serve it in a large bowl with a serving spoon, or portion it into small cups for easy grab-and-go servings.

Conclusion

Lemon orzo salad is light, fresh, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and pairs well with just about anything. Whether you serve it as a side dish or add protein to make it a full meal, this salad is sure to be a hit. Try it out and enjoy every tangy, herby bite!

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