Vibrant Mediterranean Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta
Create this bright and refreshing lemon orzo pasta salad, perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a light lunch. It features tender orzo, crisp vegetables, salty feta, and a zesty homemade lemon vinaigrette. This easy pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 English cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain the pasta well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Place the cooled orzo in a large bowl.
- While the orzo cooks, prepare the lemon vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, fresh parsley, and fresh dill to the bowl with the cooled orzo.
- Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the orzo and vegetable mixture.
- Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed.
- For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can prepare this cold pasta salad up to one day ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator.
- For a heartier meal, add 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken or a can of rinsed chickpeas.
- If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the chopped red onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain before adding it to the salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 15