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Fresh Greek Orzo Salad Recipe with Zesty Lemon Herb Dressing

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A fresh, easy, and flavorful Greek orzo salad with a zesty lemon herb dressing, perfect for quick meals and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (about 270g) uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 large English cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 1/2 cups (270g) orzo and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. While the orzo cooks, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and slice the olives. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Pour the dressing over the cooled orzo. Toss gently to coat every grain.
  5. Fold in cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese. Mix just enough to combine without breaking the feta too much.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, give it a gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Rinse cooked orzo under cold water to prevent sticking and keep salad from getting mushy. Prepare dressing and veggies ahead for convenience. Adjust salt and pepper after chilling as flavors mellow. For gluten-free option, substitute orzo with quinoa. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Toss salad with dressing just before serving or after chilling to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek orzo salad, lemon herb dressing, easy salad recipe, summer salad, healthy pasta salad, vegetarian salad

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/fresh-greek-orzo-salad-recipe-with-zesty-lemon-herb-dressing-easy-and-perfect/