Bright & Zesty Lemon Orzo Salad: A Refreshing Bowl (Print Version)

Bright & Zesty Lemon Orzo Salad is a refreshing, light dish. Perfect for picnics or quick dinners, packed with fresh flavors and easy to make.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 cup orzo pasta
02 - 1 English cucumber, diced
03 - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 2 fresh lemons (juice and zest)
06 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
07 - 1/4 cup good quality olive oil
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Seasoning Essentials

10 - Salt, to taste
11 - Black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Alright, first things first, get a big pot of salted water boiling. This is where I always forget to salt the water, then I’m scrambling later! Add your orzo and cook it according to package directions until it's al dente. We want it tender, but with a slight bite, you know? Drain it really well and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent it from clumping. That cooling step is crucial for a great Bright & Zesty Lemon Orzo Salad.
02 - While the orzo is chilling, get your chopping game on. Dice the English cucumber, halve those cherry tomatoes, and finely chop your red onion. Remember that trick about soaking the red onion if you want to mellow its bite? This is where you do it! I usually end up with little bits of cucumber all over my counter, but it’s part of the process, right? The kitchen smells so fresh when all these bright colors come together.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and zest. Honestly, don't skimp on the zest; it's where so much of that bright, citrusy perfume comes from! Slowly drizzle in your good quality olive oil, whisking constantly until it’s all emulsified and looks slightly creamy. Stir in the dried oregano, a good pinch of salt, and some freshly cracked black pepper. Give it a taste – does it sing? It should be vibrant and tangy, a real flavor booster for our Bright & Zesty Lemon Orzo Salad.
04 - Now for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion. Pour that incredible lemon dressing all over everything. Gently toss it all together, making sure every little grain of orzo and every veggie piece gets coated in that zesty goodness. I love seeing all the colors mix and meld; it just looks so inviting.
05 - Crumble in your feta cheese and roughly chop your fresh parsley. Add these to the bowl and give it another gentle toss. You want the feta to break up a bit and distribute, but still have some nice chunks. This is where the Bright & Zesty Lemon Orzo Salad really starts to look like the vibrant dish you want to serve. Sometimes I add a little more parsley than specified because I just love that fresh green pop!
06 - For the best flavor, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours. This chilling time allows all those amazing flavors to meld and deepen. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! Before serving, give it one last stir and taste for seasoning adjustments. You might want another squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of salt. Serve it up and watch it disappear – it’s just that good, especially on a warm day.

# Notes:

01 - Always rinse your cooked orzo with cold water to stop cooking and prevent stickiness – learned that after a few clumpy disasters!
02 - This salad keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. It's best served chilled or at room temperature.
03 - For a gluten-free option, I've tried quinoa, and it works, though it changes the texture. Dill or mint can swap for parsley!
04 - Serve it with grilled chicken or salmon, and a crusty bread. A chilled white wine makes it extra special.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot
02 - colander
03 - cutting board
04 - sharp knife
05 - mixing bowls
06 - whisk

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 38g
Protein: 10g

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