This fresh Lemon Orzo Salad is perfect for a sunny day! With zesty lemon, chewy orzo, and tangy feta, it’s a delightful mix of flavors that brings a smile to your face.
I love how quick it is to whip this up—just cook the orzo, toss everything together, and you’re ready to go! It makes a great side dish or a light lunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta is the star of the salad. If you can’t find orzo, try small pasta like ditalini, couscous, or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Cucumber: English cucumbers are great here as they have fewer seeds. For a different crunch, you can substitute with diced zucchini or bell pepper, or even use roasted veggies for a new taste!
Feta Cheese: Store-bought crumbled feta works well, but for a creamier texture, try a block of feta that you can crumble yourself. If you’re dairy-free, consider using tofu feta or a nut-based cheese.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon gives the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice is a handy substitute in a pinch. Just use a little less since it’s more concentrated. Lime could work as a subtle switch as well!
How Do I Cook Orzo Perfectly?
Cooking orzo might seem simple, but getting it just right can be tricky. Overcooked orzo can turn mushy, so pay attention to the timing. Here’s how:
- Start by boiling water or broth, which adds flavor. Make sure it’s rolling before adding orzo.
- Cook according to package instructions, checking for al dente—tender but firm. Usually, this is about 8-10 minutes.
- When done, drain the orzo, but don’t rinse! This keeps the starch that helps the dressing cling later.
- Let it cool before mixing so it doesn’t wilt the veggies.
How to Make Easy Lemon Orzo Salad With Feta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes to chill, totaling about 40 minutes before you’re ready to serve. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a refreshing dish anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Orzo:
Start by bringing 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil in a pot. Once it’s boiling, add the orzo pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. When it’s done, drain the orzo and leave it to cool.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the orzo is cooking, take a large bowl and add the diced cucumber, red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. Give them a gentle stir to mix everything together.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Once the orzo has cooled down, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Next, sprinkle in the chopped parsley, crumbled feta cheese, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
4. Toss and Season:
Now, drizzle the olive oil over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Gently toss everything together until it’s well combined, making sure every piece is coated nicely.
5. Chill and Garnish:
Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you’d like it a bit zestier, add more lemon juice or olive oil! Finally, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. When you’re ready to serve, feel free to garnish with some fresh basil for a lovely touch!
Enjoy your refreshing lemon orzo salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orzo gives a nice texture and flavor, you can substitute it with any small pasta, like ditalini or small shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make the salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. You can also add extra veggies or even some chickpeas for added protein to keep it filling!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even tastier! Just give it a good stir before serving again.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the salad by adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, or even cooked chicken for some added protein. Just ensure that you adjust the dressing and seasoning to complement the new ingredients!
