Best 4 Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad Recipes

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When you're craving the flavors of summer, this zesty Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to enjoy. It's packed with bright flavors and textures, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal. The orzo pasta is cooked al dente and tossed with a tangy lemon vinaigrette, while the addition of fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, and mint, gives it a herbaceous aroma. This salad also features a variety of colorful vegetables, including cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, and kalamata olives. Topped with crumbled feta cheese for a salty tang, this Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or barbecue. In addition, this article offers two variations of this delicious salad: a Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad and a Vegan Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad. So, you'll have options to choose and customize the recipe to your preference.

Let's cook with our recipes!

LEMON ORZO



Lemon Orzo image

This lemon orzo salad recipe has a bright citrus flavor, thanks to the secret of adding lemon rind to the broth!

Provided by Holly Nilsson

Categories     Appetizer     Dinner     Entree     Lunch     Main Course     Pasta     Salad     Side Dish

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 lemon (for juice and zesting)
1 cup orzo
2 ½ cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon fresh mint (finely chopped or 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley)

Steps:

  • Using a vegetable peeler, peel off two large strips of lemon zest.
  • Bring orzo, broth, oregano and lemon zest to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 13-15 minutes uncovered until the orzo is tender.
  • Remove from heat and stir in butter. Rest 5 minutes.
  • Juice half of the lemon over the orzo, add mint or parsley and stir. Season with salt & pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 168 kcal, Carbohydrate 31 g, Protein 6 g, Fat 2 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 4 mg, Sodium 553 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving

LEMON ORZO SALAD



Lemon Orzo Salad image

Lemon Orzo Salad is full of bright and lemony flavors. Feel free to use whatever veggies and mix ins you have on hand.

Provided by Angela Allison

Categories     Side Dish

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound orzo pasta
15 ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 English cucumber, peeled and diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup red onion, diced
½ cup feta cheese crumbles
¼ cup parsley, chopped
½ cup olive oil
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook the orzo until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse; set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, garbanzo beans, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest and juice, dijon mustard, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Pour the dressing over the orzo and toss to combine.
  • You can serve immediately or refrigerate and serve chilled. Taste for seasonings before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334 kcal, Carbohydrate 43 g, Protein 10 g, Fat 14 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 7 mg, Sodium 343 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 3 g, UnsaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 serving

LEMON ORZO PASTA SALAD WITH CUCUMBERS AND OLIVES



Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad with Cucumbers and Olives image

We love this light orzo pasta salad - it doubles as a side, can be the main event or works well topped with grilled chicken or Adam's favorite, shrimp! Use your favorite tender herbs in this - we love using of one or a combination of mint, dill, basil, parsley or cilantro.

Provided by Adam and Joanne Gallagher

Categories     Side Dish

Time 20m

Yield Makes approximately 8 (1 cup) servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 cups (8 ounces) dried orzo pasta
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 to 4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice, depending on taste
1 medium English cucumber, diced
1 large tomato, diced or 8 ounces halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs; use any combination of fresh parsley, cilantro, basil, dill or mint
1/2 cup pitted olives, halved
1 cup canned or jarred and drained artichoke hearts, chopped, see notes

Steps:

  • Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until tender, 6 to 10 minutes (check box for actual cook time). Drain.
  • While the orzo cooks, in a large bowl, whisk the oil, mustard, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the drained orzo to the dressing and mix well.
  • Stir in the cucumber, tomato, herbs, olives and artichokes. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and/or pepper as needed. Enjoy warm or cover then refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup, Calories 166, Protein 4.4 g, Carbohydrate 20.5 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 1.8 g, Fat 8 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Cholesterol 21 mg, Sodium 290 mg

LEMON ORZO



Lemon Orzo image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup orzo
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons good olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
1 cup small-diced feta, preferably Greek (4 ounces)

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons salt and the orzo. Return the water to a boil and simmer uncovered for 9 to 11 minutes, until the orzo is al dente. Drain.
  • Transfer the orzo to a bowl and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Fold in the feta and serve hot.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, ripe lemons: This will give your salad the best flavor. If you can, use Meyer lemons, as they are sweeter and have a more floral flavor than regular lemons.
  • Don't overcook the orzo: It should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked orzo will be mushy and unpleasant.
  • Let the salad cool completely before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld together and the orzo to absorb the dressing. You can also chill the salad for a few hours or overnight for even better flavor.
  • Add your favorite toppings: This salad is a blank canvas for your favorite toppings. Some popular options include grilled chicken, shrimp, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and chopped nuts.

Conclusion:

This lemon orzo pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, this salad is sure to be a hit.

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