Description
A refreshing and zesty Lemon Orzo Salad featuring tender orzo pasta, crisp cucumber, sweet peas, fresh parsley, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a simple lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 ½ cup dried uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- ½ cucumber, chopped
- ⅓ cup fresh curly parsley, chopped
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 3 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook orzo: Bring a saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until just tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water until it cools to room temperature. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk the dressing: While the orzo is cooking, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the thawed peas, chopped cucumber, fresh parsley, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the cooled orzo. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add dressing and toss: Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the salad is thoroughly coated with the dressing.
- Serve or chill: The salad can be served immediately for a fresh taste or chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Make sure to rinse the orzo with cold water after cooking to stop it from overcooking and to cool it down quickly.
- Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
- Can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- Optional additions include chopped mint or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
