Best Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Zesty Lemon Dressing
This Greek Orzo Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines orzo pasta with fresh Mediterranean ingredients. Tossed in a zesty lemon dressing, it’s perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
- Orzo Pasta
- Cucumber
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
- Red Onion
- Kalamata Olives
- Feta Cheese
- Fresh Dill
- Fresh Parsley
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Garlic
- Dried Oregano
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Chickpeas (optional)
- Bell Peppers (optional)
- Artichoke Hearts (optional)
- Grilled Chicken or cooked beef (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it's perfectly al dente. Drain the orzo thoroughly and rinse it under cold water. Spread the cooled orzo out on a baking sheet or a large plate to cool completely.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Feta: Dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry or grape tomatoes. Slice the red onion very thinly, soaking it in ice water for 10-15 minutes if you prefer a milder flavor. Halve the pitted Kalamata olives and crumble the feta cheese into irregular pieces.
- Whisk the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and freshly chopped dill and parsley.
- Dress and Toss: Pour the lemon dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Toss again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Don't overcook the orzo; it should be al dente for the best texture. Fresh herbs are key for flavor, and consider adding chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra protein.