Lemon Herb Orzo Salad
A bright and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad perfect for any gathering. Tender orzo is tossed with crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, salty feta, and protein-rich chickpeas, all brought together with a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's an ideal side dish or light main course.
For 8 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil
- a.Add 1 tbsp of salt, then stir in the orzo pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping. Shake well to remove excess water and set aside.
- 2
Prepare the vinaigrette: While the orzo cooks, prepare the dressing
- a.In a medium bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Whisk or shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the dressing is well-emulsified. Season with 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine the salad ingredients: In a large serving bowl, add the cooled orzo, diced English cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, rinsed chickpeas, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh dill.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Dress and toss: Pour the prepared lemon-herb vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently with tongs or large spoons until everything is evenly coated. Add the crumbled feta cheese and give it one final, gentle toss to combine.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Chill and serve: For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinsing the orzo with cold water is a crucial step. It cools the pasta down quickly and washes away excess starch, which prevents it from becoming gummy.
- 2For a milder onion flavor, soak the chopped red onion in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the salad.
- 3This salad is perfect for meal prep. Store the salad components and the dressing separately in the refrigerator. Combine just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.
- 4Don't be shy with fresh herbs! Mint or basil would also be delicious additions to the parsley and dill.
- 5For a heartier meal, serve the salad over a bed of fresh arugula or spinach.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or flaked salmon to make it a more substantial main course.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the orzo with a gluten-free orzo or another small gluten-free pasta shape.
VeganVegan
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based feta alternative.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Feel free to add other Mediterranean vegetables like chopped Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, or diced bell peppers for more flavor and texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
The chickpeas and fresh vegetables provide a significant amount of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health, blood sugar regulation, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Made with extra virgin olive oil, this salad is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Source of Plant-Based Protein
Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance, making this salad a satisfying vegetarian option.
Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants
The abundance of fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumber, along with herbs and lemon juice, provides a variety of essential vitamins (like Vitamin C) and antioxidants that help protect the body from cellular damage.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Lemon Herb Orzo Salad contains approximately 420 calories, making it a satisfying and balanced option for a meal or side dish.