Mediterranean Lemon Orzo Salad
A refreshing and colorful Mediterranean Lemon Orzo Salad with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon herb dressing.
Equipment
- 1 large pot for cooking orzo
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 whisk for dressing
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint chopped
Lemon Herb Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the olives, and finely chop the red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, feta cheese, parsley, and mint. Toss gently to mix.
- Pour the lemon herb dressing over the salad and toss until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
Serving
- Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing cold salad.
Storage
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Let the salad sit for a few hours to enhance the taste.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or use green olives instead of kalamata.
How to Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature as a main dish or side.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping dressing separate.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare ingredients and dressing in advance, mix just before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or use green olives instead of kalamata.
How to Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature as a main dish or side.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping dressing separate.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare ingredients and dressing in advance, mix just before serving.