Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a fresh, vibrant side dish featuring tender orzo pasta tossed with colorful vegetables and a bright, zesty dressing. Light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, it’s the perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or quick weekday lunches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Orzo Pasta Salad is refreshingly light yet satisfying, with the zing of lemon vinaigrette pulling all the flavors together beautifully. It’s customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins, quick to make, and holds up well for make-ahead meals. Whether served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Orzo pasta
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Kalamata olives
• Feta cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Fresh basil
• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Salt
• Black pepper

Directions

1. Cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and chopped olives.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
4. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the orzo mixture and toss gently to coat.
5. Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and basil. Toss again lightly.
6. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6-8 people. Preparation takes around 20 minutes, and chilling for best flavor requires an additional 30 minutes. Total time is approximately 50 minutes.

Variations

• Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
• Different Cheeses: Swap feta for goat cheese or mozzarella pearls.
• More Veggies: Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or spinach.
• Herb Variations: Use dill or mint instead of basil for a different fresh flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette.

Storage/Reheating

Store Orzo Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature; no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

Can I make orzo pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after a few hours as the flavors meld together.

What is orzo pasta?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and is great for salads, soups, and side dishes.

Should I rinse orzo after cooking?

Yes, rinse the orzo under cold water to stop cooking and prevent it from sticking together.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain the orzo well and add dressing just before serving if making it far in advance.

Can I serve this salad warm?

Yes, it’s delicious warm, room temperature, or chilled.

What other dressings can I use?

A balsamic vinaigrette, Greek dressing, or even a creamy dressing like tzatziki would also work well.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Orzo is typically made from wheat, but you can find gluten-free orzo alternatives.

Can I substitute the orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous can also work.

How long does the lemon vinaigrette last?

The vinaigrette can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Conclusion

Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a light, refreshing dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. With its tender pasta, crisp veggies, and zesty dressing, it’s a versatile and easy recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen for meals and gatherings alike.

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