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Lemon Orzo Salad With Feta

Lemon Orzo Salad With Feta: A Zesty Make-Ahead Delight

Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta is a vibrant and zesty dish, perfect for gatherings and meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo Use gluten-free orzo for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Adds sweetness and crunch; try yellow or orange for a pop of color.
  • 1 medium Cucumber Refreshing and hydrating; any firm variety works well.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Strong flavor; finely mince for the best distribution in the salad.
  • 1 cup Feta Cheese Creamy and tangy; opt for block feta for the best texture.
  • 1/4 cup Parsley Fresh and bright; consider swapping for cilantro for a unique twist.
  • 1/4 cup Basil A touch of aromatic sweetness; fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon Dill Adds a fresh note; if unavailable, use thyme as a substitute.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Provides robust flavor; use freshly minced for maximum impact.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Key for tang; always go for freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Richness and helps emulsify the dressing; a high-quality olive oil makes a difference.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness; maple syrup is a great vegan substitute.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning; adjust them to taste.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust them to taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients for the Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta. Dice the red bell pepper and cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely mince the red onion and garlic, then chop the parsley, basil, and dill. Crumble the feta cheese into small chunks and squeeze the fresh lemon juice into a bowl, setting everything aside to combine flavors later.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. As it cooks, check for tenderness; it should be firm but not hard. Once ready, drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk these together until well blended, creating a zesty base for your salad. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing, until it takes on a smooth, cohesive texture that will coat the salad beautifully.
  4. Once the orzo has cooled, add it to the mixing bowl with the lemon dressing. Then, gently fold in the diced vegetables and freshly chopped herbs, ensuring everything gets evenly coated in the tangy dressing. Be careful not to crush the orzo; you want it light and fluffy.
  5. Carefully fold the crumbled feta into the salad mixture, trying to keep the feta pieces intact for a delightful creamy bite. This step is crucial to ensure that the feta's rich flavor complements the tanginess of the salad without becoming overly mushy.
  6. Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors of the Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta to meld together beautifully. If serving directly from the fridge, let it sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature before enjoying.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Adjust salt and pepper according to taste considering feta adds saltiness. Allow the salad to chill to enhance flavors.

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