Lemon Orzo Salad with Vegetables
This Mediterranean orzo salad combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables and a bright lemon dressing. It’s the kind of dish that works for lunch, dinner, or potlucks because it tastes better after the flavors meld.
You’ll get a satisfying meal that keeps well in the fridge and doesn’t require reheating.
Why Orzo Works Better Than Other Pasta
Orzo’s rice-like shape holds onto the lemon dressing without getting soggy like larger pasta would. The small grains mix evenly with diced vegetables, so you get balanced bites instead of clumps of pasta and scattered vegetables.
Cook it just until al dente since it’ll continue softening slightly as it absorbs the dressing. Overcooked orzo turns mushy and won’t hold its shape in the salad.
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Make-Ahead Strategy That Actually Works
This salad improves after sitting for at least 2 hours, but don’t add delicate herbs until just before serving. The acid in the lemon dressing will turn basil and parsley dark if they sit too long.
You can prep everything else up to 2 days ahead. Store the dressed orzo and vegetables separately from fresh herbs, then combine them right before serving for the best color and flavor.
Lemon Orzo Salad with Vegetables
Ingredients
Dressing
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk
- Colander
Instructions
- Cook orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook orzo according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water until completely cooled.
- Make dressing: While pasta cooks, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled orzo, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, red onion, and olives. Pour dressing over mixture and toss well to coat.
- Add cheese and chill: Add crumbled feta cheese and gently fold in. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Finish and serve: Before serving, fold in chopped basil and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (1 serving)
