Kid-Friendly Lemon Orzo Salad with Vegetables
Orzo pasta salad makes vegetables disappear faster than any other side dish. The tiny rice-shaped pasta feels familiar to kids while sneaking in colorful veggies they’ll actually eat.
Bright lemon dressing keeps everything light and fresh. You can make this ahead for busy weeknights or pack it for lunch boxes.
Why Orzo Works Better Than Regular Pasta for Kids
Orzo’s small size means every bite includes pasta, vegetables, and dressing together. Kids can’t easily pick around ingredients like they do with larger pasta shapes.
The rice-like appearance also feels less intimidating than obvious vegetable chunks. Cook the orzo just until tender—mushy pasta makes the whole salad unappetizing, while undercooked orzo stays hard even after chilling.
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Getting the Lemon Dressing Balance Right
Start with less lemon juice than you think you need. The pasta absorbs flavors as it chills, so what tastes bright initially can become mouth-puckering after an hour in the fridge.
Add the dressing while the orzo is still slightly warm. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors better than adding cold dressing to completely cooled pasta. You can always add more lemon juice before serving if needed.
Kid-Friendly Lemon Orzo Salad with Vegetables
Ingredients
Dressing
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk
Instructions
- Cook orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking.
- Prep vegetables: While orzo cooks, dice cucumber and red bell pepper into small, kid-friendly pieces about 1/4-inch. Halve cherry tomatoes. Thaw frozen peas by running them under cool water for 1 minute.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper until honey dissolves completely, about 30 seconds.
- Combine salad: In a large bowl, combine the slightly warm orzo with prepared vegetables. Pour dressing over mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Add crumbled feta just before serving if using. Salad is ready when chilled throughout and flavors have melded together.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (1 serving)
