Description
This Easy Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta is a vibrant and refreshing dish that elevates any meal. With its light, zesty dressing and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables and herbs, this salad offers a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Whether served as a side for grilled chicken or enjoyed on its own, it’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or simply a light lunch. Quick to prepare in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal make-ahead option that stays fresh in the fridge for up to five days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ – 2 cups orzo (uncooked)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 English cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, small diced
- 6 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 c fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ c fresh basil, chopped
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon (1.5-2 oz juice)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
Instructions
- Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain using a colander.
- Rinse the orzo under cold water to cool it down, then drain again.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo with chopped bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, garlic, parsley, basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss well.
- Gently fold in crumbled feta cheese.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Toss before serving and drizzle with extra olive oil if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg