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Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe

Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe - Great Meal Recipes

When I first stumbled upon lemon orzo salad, it was a revelation. You might think, "Oh, it’s just pasta." But trust me, there’s something magical about the combination of orzo, fresh veggies, and that tangy lemon dressing. 
Summer gatherings, picnics, and casual dinners transformed with this vibrant dish. As a registered dietitian, I’ve always been on the lookout for meals that not only taste good but also provide nutritional value. This salad does just that.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 359
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon pine nuts
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup filtered water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 cups cups orzo pasta
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3/4 cup sliced yellow zucchini
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Orzo
  1. Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once boiling, add 1 ½ cups of orzo. Cook according to package instructions, typically about 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down for the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until smooth. This dressing will bring your salad to life!
Step 3: Chop and Mix
  1. While the orzo cools, chop your veggies. Slice cherry tomatoes in half and julienne the yellow zucchini. Fresh herbs should be roughly chopped as well. Once your orzo is ready and cool, toss it in a large mixing bowl with the tomatoes, zucchini, and herbs.
Step 4: Add the Dressing
  1. Pour your freshly made dressing over the orzo and veggies. Mix it gently until everything is well-coated and combined.
Step 5: Top with Feta and Pine Nuts
  1. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts on top. These add great texture and flavor. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for the best quality vegetables and herbs for maximum flavor.
  • Cook Orzo Al Dente: This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy in the salad.
  • Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for a while enhances the flavors.
  • Toast Pine Nuts: Toasting them adds a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
  • Experiment with Variations: Substitute ingredients like quinoa for a gluten-free option or add ingredients you love.