Name: Orzo Lemon Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked orzo; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 small red onion, diced; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; Sea salt, to taste; Cracked black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 55 reviews

If you are looking for a vibrant, refreshing dish to brighten up your meal rotation, the Orzo Lemon Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful salad combines tender orzo pasta with crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing that sings with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re in need of a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a crowd-pleaser at your next potluck, this salad offers a perfect harmony of texture, color, and taste that feels like sunshine on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with pale yellow orzo pasta at the center, surrounded by smaller white bowls holding chopped red bell peppers, green celery, finely diced red onions, and white crumbled cheese. To the right, there is a clear glass bottle with yellow olive oil, and two small round wooden bowls contain coarse white salt with a small wooden scoop and a mix of black and red peppercorns with a similar scoop. Below, a halved yellow lemon and green parsley sprigs rest directly on the white marbled surface. The setup is bright and clean with clear texture contrasts between the smooth pasta, crisp vegetables, and rough salt crystals, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart of this salad, each one contributing to its irresistible flavor and satisfying crunch. Everything is easy to find and essential for building that perfect balance between zest, creaminess, and crunch.

2 cups uncooked orzo: The star of the dish, providing a tender, bite-sized base to soak up all the lemony goodness.
1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a vibrant color and sweet, juicy crunch to every mouthful.
2 stalks celery, diced: Brings a subtle freshness and crisp texture, enhancing the salad’s brightness.
1 small red onion: Offers a gentle sharpness and lovely purple hue that balances the flavors.
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled: Delivers a creamy, salty contrast that beautifully complements the citrus notes.
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Infuses the salad with a burst of herbaceous freshness and a pop of green.
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: The key to a silky dressing that binds all the ingredients together with rich, fruity undertones.
Sea salt to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors and elevates the overall taste.
Cracked black pepper to taste: Adds a mild heat and depth to balance the bright lemon.
Juice and zest of 1 lemon: The star flavor that makes this salad truly shine, adding vibrant tang and aromatic citrus oils.

How to Make Orzo Lemon Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Orzo to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the orzo. Cooking it until al dente – usually about 7 minutes – ensures the pasta remains tender but with a slight bite, perfect for texture in your salad. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly and stop the cooking process, which helps maintain that perfect firmness and prevents the orzo from sticking together.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Veggies and Herbs

While the orzo cooks, use this time to chop the red bell pepper, dice the celery and red onion, and roughly chop the parsley. These fresh ingredients are essential for adding crunch, vibrant color, and herbal brightness that make every forkful exciting.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Dressing

Zest and juice one fresh lemon to give your salad that unmistakable burst of citrus. Combine the lemon juice and zest with extra virgin olive oil for a simple dressing that perfectly coats the orzo and veggies, infusing the salad with a light, refreshing tang.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the drained orzo, vegetables, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley. Pour the lemon-olive oil dressing on top, sprinkle with sea salt and cracked black pepper, then toss everything together gently until every ingredient is evenly coated. This careful tossing ensures the flavors meld beautifully without crushing the delicate feta or bruising the veggies.

Step 5: Chill or Serve at Room Temperature

You can enjoy the Orzo Lemon Salad Recipe immediately at room temperature, or pop it in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes to allow the flavors to develop further. If chilling, remember to give it a quick stir before serving and add a dash of olive oil if it firms up in the fridge to maintain that luscious texture.

How to Serve Orzo Lemon Salad Recipe

A white bowl is filled with five separate layers of ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of small, light yellow orzo pasta covering the entire base of the bowl. On top of the pasta, five sections are placed: diced light green celery on the upper left, chopped bright red bell pepper on the upper right, crumbled white cheese on the middle right, finely chopped purple onion on the lower right, and fresh green parsley in the center. Around the bowl on the white marbled surface are a small glass bottle of golden olive oil, a wooden bowl of mixed peppercorns, and a wooden bowl with coarse white salt and a pestle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few thin lemon slices can elevate your Orzo Lemon Salad Recipe to the next level. Fresh basil leaves or a scattering of chopped olives also add beautiful aroma and a Mediterranean vibe that guests will love.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or even roasted vegetables. It works equally well as a refreshing side dish alongside heavier mains or as a light, standalone meal during warmer months or picnics.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the salad in hollowed-out lemon halves or in small mason jars layered with extra feta and herbs on top. This not only looks impressive but also keeps the salad fresh and ready to enjoy at your next get-together or lunchbox treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for up to three days, with flavors continuing to deepen, making each bite even tastier.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and feta, freezing the Orzo Lemon Salad Recipe is not recommended as it can alter the texture and freshness once thawed.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer, let the salad come to room temperature on the counter before serving to unlock the full flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?

Absolutely! While feta’s salty and tangy flavor is perfect here, you can try goat cheese or a mild ricotta salata for a different but equally delicious twist.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the Orzo Lemon Salad Recipe is fantastic for meal prep since it keeps well in the fridge and can be enjoyed over several days. Just remember to give it a fresh stir before eating.

Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas all make excellent additions, turning this salad into a satisfying main course.

How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?

Rinsing the cooked orzo under cold water and shaking off excess water is key. Also, avoid over-salting or overdressing early on; adding extra olive oil just before serving helps maintain a perfect texture.

Can I substitute orzo with another pasta?

While orzo works best for its small size and texture, you can use other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells if necessary. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with the Orzo Lemon Salad Recipe. Its simplicity, bright flavors, and delightful textures come together effortlessly to create a dish that feels both wholesome and special. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this salad is sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes for fresh, satisfying meals. So, grab those ingredients and start tossing up some sunshine today!