This Easy Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta is the perfect blend of refreshing, tangy, and creamy. With orzo pasta, lemon, feta, and fresh herbs, it's a simple yet flavorful side dish or a light meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
1 cup orzo pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
First, I cook the orzo according to the package directions, then drain it and set it aside to cool.
In a large bowl, I combine the cooled orzo with olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Next, I add in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and diced red onion. I toss everything together gently to combine.
I season it with salt and pepper to taste and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
This lemon orzo salad is versatile, and I can easily customize it based on what I have on hand or my flavor preferences. Some ideas for variations include:
Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Swapping feta for goat cheese or another cheese of choice.
Mixing in roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
For a touch of sweetness, I might add some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds.
If I want an extra punch of flavor, I could drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top just before serving.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since the orzo salad is served cold, I don’t need to reheat it, which makes it super convenient. Just give it a quick toss before serving if it sits in the fridge for a while, as the flavors may settle.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! I actually love making it ahead of time. The salad can be prepared a few hours before serving, or even the day before. Just make sure to refrigerate it to keep everything fresh.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! If orzo isn’t available or you prefer another type of pasta, I recommend small pasta shapes like farfalle, fusilli, or ditalini. The key is to use something that will hold the dressing and complement the other ingredients well.
Can I use pre-shredded feta cheese?
While pre-shredded feta is convenient, I prefer to use crumbled feta because it has a creamier texture and more flavor. But if that's all I have on hand, pre-shredded feta will still work fine!
Can I freeze this salad?
I don’t recommend freezing this salad as the texture of the feta and herbs may not hold up well after being frozen. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.
What can I serve this salad with?
This salad is an excellent side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables. It also makes a great vegetarian meal on its own or can be paired with a light soup for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Easy Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta is a perfect combination of refreshing flavors and creamy texture, making it a go-to for light meals or side dishes. With its quick preparation, vibrant taste, and versatility, I can always count on it to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a sunny day or just a craving for something fresh, this salad is sure to satisfy!
Recipe:
Easy Lemon Orzo Salad With Feta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta is a refreshing and tangy dish made with orzo pasta, lemon, feta, and fresh herbs. It’s a simple yet flavorful side dish or light meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
1 cup orzo pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to the package directions, then drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo with olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Add in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and diced red onion. Toss everything together gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Make it ahead of time for a more intense flavor. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Feel free to swap feta with goat cheese or any cheese of your choice.
Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra texture.
For a sweet touch, try adding dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds.
Drizzling balsamic glaze over the top just before serving gives it an extra flavor punch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cold
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
