Name: Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 ½ cup dried uncooked orzo pasta; 1 cup frozen peas, thawed; ½ cucumber, chopped; ⅓ cup fresh curly parsley, chopped; ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese; 3 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 3 Tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

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If you are searching for a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying dish that is both easy to whip up and packed with bright flavors, this Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with fresh veggies, fragrant herbs, and the tang of lemon, this salad delivers a delightful combination of textures and colors that make every bite a treat. Perfect for a quick lunch or an elegant side dish at your next gathering, it comes together in just 20 minutes and is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Seven small white bowls are placed on a white marbled surface, each holding a different ingredient. Starting from the top right, the largest bowl is filled with light beige orzo pasta grains, showing a smooth, oval shape. To its left, a medium bowl contains cubed cucumber pieces, light to medium green with a soft texture. Below the orzo, a small bowl holds bright green frozen peas, round and smooth. Next to peas on the right, a small white pitcher-shaped bowl contains finely chopped dark green parsley. Below that, a small bowl has crumbly white feta cheese. Under the peas, a tiny clear glass bowl holds golden yellow olive oil. At the bottom left, a small dish has two lemon halves, showing bright yellow rinds and juicy interiors. Finally, a white oval bowl at the bottom right contains white salt and black pepper mixed on one side. All bowls are displayed neatly with clear labeling on each ingredient. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to the success of any recipe, and for this Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe, the simplicity of each component shines through. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make this dish so irresistible.

Dried uncooked orzo pasta (1 ½ cup): The tiny pasta pearls cook quickly and provide a tender, chewy base that soaks up all the delicious dressing.
Frozen peas (1 cup, thawed): These bring a pop of sweetness and a bright green color that livens up the salad beautifully.
Cucumber (½, chopped): Adds refreshing crunch and subtle cool notes that complement the lemon perfectly.
Fresh curly parsley (⅓ cup, chopped): This herb adds a burst of fresh, grassy flavor and vibrant green flecks throughout the dish.
Crumbled feta cheese (⅓ cup): A salty, creamy contrast that brings richness and depth to every mouthful.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 tablespoons): The star of the dressing, lending a zesty brightness that lifts all the other flavors.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Provides a silky texture and smooth mouthfeel while balancing the acidity of the lemon.
Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances and brings out the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
Ground pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick that rounds out the seasoning perfectly.

How to Make Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Start by bringing a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes, until tender but still firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the orzo and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to cool it down quickly and stop the cooking process. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl to prepare for tossing with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the orzo is cooking, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and ground pepper in a small bowl. This simple dressing brings all the elements of the Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe to life with its bright acidity and silky texture.

Step 3: Combine the Salad

Add the thawed peas, chopped cucumber, fresh parsley, and crumbled feta cheese directly into the bowl with the cooled orzo. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed for each bite.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the lemon dressing over the orzo mixture and toss gently once more. The dressing clings to the orzo and veggies, infusing every morsel with vibrant lemon flavor. At this point, you can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it to let the flavors meld further.

How to Serve Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe

A large white bowl filled with a fresh salad made of small, beige orzo pasta mixed with bright green peas, chopped cucumber pieces, and dark green parsley leaves. Crumbled white cheese is sprinkled evenly throughout the salad. On the right side, three lemon slices with yellow skin and juicy, translucent flesh sit on top of the salad. Two ornate silver spoons rest inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with some additional parsley and small white bowls with ingredients visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To give this Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe an extra touch of personality and pops of flavor, consider topping it with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch or additional fresh herbs like dill or mint for an herbal twist. A little extra crumble of feta just before serving also adds visual appeal and indulgence.

Side Dishes

This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a light but satisfying main course. It also complements Mediterranean dishes such as roasted vegetables, hummus, or warm pita bread, making it a perfect player in a variety of meals.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests? Try serving this salad in individual mason jars for a charming picnic or potluck presentation. Alternatively, you can stuff pita pockets with the salad for a handheld treat or stack it with layers of grilled vegetables and protein to create a colorful orzo salad bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or easy weeknight meals. The flavors tend to develop even more after resting, so leftovers often taste just as good or better.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and not recommended for freezing. The fresh veggies and cheese can become watery or change texture when frozen and thawed, which can alter the delightful balance of flavors and textures in the Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe.

Reheating

If you prefer your orzo salad warm, you can gently heat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds. However, this salad is traditionally served chilled or at room temperature to highlight its refreshing qualities and crisp ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo works perfectly because of its small size and quick cooking time, you can experiment with other small pasta shapes like couscous or tiny shells. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make this Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based feta alternative. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top can add a cheesy flavor if desired.

Is it possible to prepare this salad in advance?

Yes! You can make the salad a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. The flavors meld nicely over time, but be sure to toss it before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled.

What can I add to make this salad more filling?

Adding protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp transforms this salad into a more substantial meal without losing any of its fresh character.

Can I adjust the lemon flavor if I don’t like it too tart?

Certainly! Feel free to reduce the amount of lemon juice in the dressing, or balance it by adding a touch of honey or a pinch of sugar to mellow out the tartness while still keeping the salad bright.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish that manages to be both quick and refreshing while satisfying at the same time, and this Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe does just that. Whether you’re grabbing a salad for a fast lunch, feeding a hungry crowd, or looking for a new side to brighten your dinner table, this vibrant and versatile salad will not disappoint. Give it a try—once you do, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes!

Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need