Description
This Tangy Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for a light lunch or side. Featuring al dente orzo pasta tossed with crisp red bell peppers, cool cucumbers, sharp red onion, and creamy feta cheese, all brought to life with a zesty lemon dressing infused with fresh herbs and garlic. Easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, this salad combines Mediterranean flavors in a colorful, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Orzo and Vegetables
- 2 cups orzo (preferably De Cecco for best firm texture)
- 1 1/2 red bell peppers, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely minced
Cheese
- 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
Herbs
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Dressing
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 1/2 lemons, juiced
- 1/2 cup olive oil (preferably Lucini Premium Select)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo cooks, dice the red bell peppers and cucumbers into 1/2-inch pieces. Finely mince the red onion to ensure its flavor is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the freshly minced garlic, lemon juice from 1 1/2 lemons, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. The honey balances the acidity of the lemon, creating a tangy and flavorful dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo, chopped red bell peppers, cucumbers, minced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh herbs—parsley, basil, and dill.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the lemon-garlic dressing over the orzo mixture. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Chill and Serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to soak into the ingredients. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side dish or light main course.
Notes
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best dressing flavor; Lucini Premium Select is recommended.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or kalamata olives for added taste and color.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if your feta is particularly salty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
