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Lemon Orzo Salad With Feta

Zesty Lemon Orzo Salad With Feta - Perfect for Meal Prep

This Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta is a refreshing, meal prep-friendly dish bursting with vibrant flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo Use De Cecco brand for best texture.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Can use yellow or orange bell pepper for a similar flavor.
  • 1 medium Cucumber Zucchini can be used for a different texture.
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion Mince small to avoid concentrated bites.
  • 1 cup Feta Cheese Use goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Basil can be used for a sweeter note.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill Omit if unavailable, but increases flavor complexity.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Use fresh for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemons Use freshly juiced for the best taste.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Use avocado oil for a milder flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Maple syrup can be used for a vegan option.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For Serving
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Use in moderation; can dominate the salad.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by dicing the red bell pepper and cucumber into small, uniform pieces. Finely mince the red onion and garlic, ensuring the onion is small enough to distribute its sharp flavor evenly throughout the salad. Chop fresh parsley, basil, and dill, and crumble the feta cheese into small chunks. These prepared ingredients will make combining the Lemon Orzo Salad seamless.
  2. In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions, but reduce the time by one minute for an al dente texture. When done, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it under cold water.
  3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Once combined, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk vigorously.
  4. Add the cooled orzo to the mixing bowl with the dressing. Then, toss in the diced vegetables alongside the freshly chopped herbs. Gently mix everything together.
  5. Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese with a spatula or wooden spoon. Do this gently to keep the feta intact.
  6. Transfer the Lemon Orzo Salad into an airtight container or bowl, cover it tightly, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Always rinse cooked orzo with cold water to prevent clumping. Allow orzo to cool completely before adding feta; warm orzo can melt the cheese and affect texture. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.

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