Easy Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe
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.
Equipment
- 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
Ingredients
- 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
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion.
- Chop the fresh parsley or basil.
- 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.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld.
- Enjoy as a side dish or add protein for a complete meal.