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Fresh Lemon Herb Orzo Pasta Salad

fresh lemon herb orzo pasta salad - featured image
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A bright, zesty, and refreshing orzo pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and fresh herbs, perfect for summer sides or light meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (about 270g) orzo pasta
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
  • ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Juice of 2 lemons (about ¼ cup or 60ml)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or basil as substitute)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion (optional)
  • Salt to taste (start with ½ teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or splash of balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups (270g) of orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente.
  2. Drain the orzo using a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain fully.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 2 lemons (about ¼ cup or 60ml), ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, and minced garlic clove. Add salt and pepper to taste and whisk until emulsified.
  4. Finely dice ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons red onion, and roughly chop ¼ cup fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons fresh dill.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs. Drizzle the dressing over and toss gently to coat.
  6. Fold in the crumbled ¾ cup feta cheese carefully to keep some chunks intact.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Add a splash of reserved pasta water or olive oil if the salad feels dry.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the orzo; rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Toss feta in last to preserve texture. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Use fresh lemon juice for brightness. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add richer flavor; rehydrate dry ones if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: orzo pasta salad, lemon herb salad, summer side dish, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, easy pasta salad, healthy pasta salad

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/fresh-lemon-herb-orzo-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-summer-side/