Easy lemon orzo salad
Easy lemon orzo salad with cucumber, radishes and feta cheese is a delicious side dish recipe and perfect served as a meat free lunch.
If you love orzo as a side dish, try our Lemon Parmesan Creamy Orzo.
Ingredients Needed
- Orzo. Any pasta rice or small pasta shape can be used. Gluten-free orzo can be used if necessary.
- Cucumber. I used baby cucumbers but use any cucumber you have. You can peel and seed the cucumber if using English cucumbers.
- Radishes. Other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, sugar snap peas, Kalamata olives, asparagus or broccoli can all be used too.
- Red onion.
- Feta cheese. Goat cheese is a good alternative.
- Fresh herbs. I used fresh parsley and fresh basil but mint, chives or cilantro/coriander can all be substituted. Arugula, baby spinach or baby kale will also be delicious.
- Extra virgin olive oil.
- Fresh lemon juice.
- Salt and black pepper.
How to make lemon orzo salad
- Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, season generously with salt and add the orzo. Cook according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Assemble the salad: Thinly slice the veggies. Cube the feta cheese and add all the salad ingredients to the orzo. Add the fresh herbs. Make the lemon vinaigrette by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Add a clove of minced garlic or a pinch of dried oregano for extra flavor. Toss well and serve.
Can I make orzo salad in advance?
Absolutely! To help it last longer, peel and seed the cucumber before slicing. Add the fresh herbs before serving to avoid them wilting. Transfer to an airtight container then store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What to serve with orzo salad
Similar to couscous salad, we love serving this lemon orzo pasta salad with grilled chicken for lunch but adding some cooked shrimp or a can of drained chickpeas is also a great idea. It makes a delicious side dish for Greek pork chops, air fryer salmon and grilled sirloin steak.
Pasta salad recipes
Easy lemon orzo salad
Easy lemon orzo salad with cucumber, radishes and feta cheese is a delicious side dish recipe and perfect served as a meat free lunch.
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Calories: 196kcal
Servings: 10
Ingredients
- 500 g (1lb) orzo
- 3 cups cucumber sliced
- 1 cup radishes sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese cubed
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup basil leaves
- ½ cup parsley leaves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and allow to cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Transfer the drained orzo to a large bowl.
- Add the cucumber, radish, red onion, feta cheese and herbs.
- Dress with the olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper. Toss well to make sure everything is combined and serve.
Nutrition
Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 273mg | Potassium: 223mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 503IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 1mg