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Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad

A light and refreshing salad combining orzo pasta with crunchy vegetables, zesty lemon, and herbs, perfect for picnics and gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Dressing
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups water for boiling
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Extras
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 piece bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Method
 

Cooking Orzo
  1. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook it according to package instructions, usually for around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Preparing Vegetables
  1. While the orzo cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. You can adjust the amount of vegetables based on your preference.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, chopped vegetables, fresh parsley, and crumbled feta cheese if using.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Final Mixing
  1. Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss everything together until well coated.
Chilling
  1. For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Give it a final toss before serving.

Notes

This salad is versatile; feel free to add your favorite ingredients like olives or nuts. It stores well in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time.