If you love fresh, vibrant flavors, this Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta and Herbs is a must-try! It’s bright, tangy, herby, and so easy to throw together. Perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic side, or even a light dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light & Refreshing: Perfect for warm-weather meals or when you want something bright and zesty.
- Quick & Easy: You can have this ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy days.
- Great for Meal Prep: It tastes even better after sitting for a few hours, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish.
- Totally Customizable: You can toss in more veggies, swap herbs, or even add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Orzo: This small pasta soaks up the lemony dressing beautifully. Substitute with couscous or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- Lemon Juice & Zest: The fresh citrus gives this salad its signature zing—freshly squeezed is a must!
- Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil makes all the difference in flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy, and slightly salty—it crumbles perfectly over the salad.
- Cucumber & Cherry Tomatoes: These add crunch, sweetness, and a refreshing contrast.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley and mint brighten everything up. You can also try basil for a slight twist.
- Red Onion: Adds a mild bite. If you find it too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow out the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Chop the Veggies & Herbs: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the herbs.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, vegetables, and feta. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Let It Sit (If You Can!): If time allows, let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with extra feta, fresh herbs, and an extra squeeze of lemon before serving.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: It should be tender but not mushy. A quick rinse with cold water helps stop the cooking.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: The bottled stuff won’t give you the same brightness and fresh flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a while. Just wait to add the fresh herbs until right before serving.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make this a heartier meal.
- Go Green: Toss in a handful of baby spinach or arugula for extra freshness.
- Change the Cheese: Goat cheese works beautifully as a substitute for feta.
- Pair It With: Serve this alongside grilled salmon, roasted vegetables, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
FAQs
Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time.
Can I eat this warm?
Absolutely! While it’s best served cold or at room temp, you can eat it warm right after mixing.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the orzo for cooked quinoa or a small gluten-free pasta alternative.
Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta and Herbs
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice & zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Instructions:
- Cook orzo according to package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
- Chop the vegetables and herbs.
- In a large bowl, combine the orzo, vegetables, feta, and fresh herbs.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Let sit for 15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Enjoy cold or at room temperature!
This Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta and Herbs is a simple yet elegant dish that works for everything from weeknight meals to summer BBQs. If you try it, share your creation with me! Drop a comment below or tag your photo with #TheKitchensAid on social media—I’d love to see how it turns out!