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Fresh Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Zesty Lemon Herb Dressing

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad - featured image
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A bright and tangy Greek-inspired orzo pasta salad with a zesty lemon herb dressing, creamy feta, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or summer BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (180g) orzo pasta
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¾ cup (120g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups (1 liter) of salted water to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 cup (180g) of orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
  2. Drain the orzo using a colander and immediately transfer to a large mixing bowl while still warm to help the dressing absorb better.
  3. While the orzo cooks, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the Kalamata olives, finely chop the red onion, and chop the parsley and oregano. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly.
  5. Pour the dressing over the warm orzo. Add the chopped vegetables, olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Avoid overcooking the orzo to prevent mushiness. Toss the salad while the orzo is warm to help the dressing absorb better. For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Use gluten-free orzo or small rice-shaped pasta for gluten-free options. Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan dressing and omit or replace feta for dairy-free versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek orzo salad, pasta salad, lemon herb dressing, feta cheese, Mediterranean salad, easy pasta salad, healthy lunch

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/fresh-greek-orzo-pasta-salad-recipe-with-easy-zesty-lemon-herb-dressing/