Easy Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta Recipe
A refreshing and easy-to-make Lemon Orzo Salad with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, tangy lemon dressing, and creamy feta cheese. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or side dish, this salad combines al dente orzo pasta with crisp bell peppers, cucumbers, and herbs, tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing with a hint of honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 cups orzo (uncooked)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 English cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, small diced
- 6 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon (1.5-2 oz juice)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Meanwhile, chop and prepare all the vegetables and herbs.
- Cool Orzo: Once cooked, drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Toss Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, garlic, parsley, basil, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, sea salt, and cracked pepper. Toss everything well to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional olive oil, salt, and pepper if desired.
- Add Honey and Feta: Add the honey and toss again to incorporate the sweetness evenly. Then gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, taking care not to break it up too much.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad until ready to serve. Toss once more just before serving and drizzle with extra olive oil if desired. Store in a sealed container and consume within 5 days.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Adjust the amount of honey to your taste preference for sweetness.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored properly.
- Feel free to substitute fresh herbs based on availability, such as cilantro or dill.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
Keywords: lemon orzo salad, feta orzo salad, Mediterranean salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, healthy salad
Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/easy-lemon-orzo-salad-with-feta-recipe/
