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Fresh Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette

Fresh Greek Orzo Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy Greek-inspired orzo pasta salad featuring fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a bright lemon-herb vinaigrette. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (about 270g)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • Juice of 2 medium lemons (about ¼ cup)
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups (270g) of orzo pasta and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
  2. Drain the orzo in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion (if using), slice the Kalamata olives, and chop the oregano and dill. Add all to the bowl with the cooled orzo.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified.
  5. Pour the lemon-herb vinaigrette over the orzo and vegetables. Add crumbled feta cheese and gently toss until well coated.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
  7. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Refrigerate if preparing ahead and stir gently before serving.

Notes

Rinse the orzo after cooking to prevent it from getting gummy. Use fresh lemon juice and good-quality olive oil for best flavor. Chop herbs finely to avoid overpowering the salad. Let the salad rest 10-15 minutes before serving to meld flavors. The salad holds well for hours and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving after refrigeration.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek pasta salad, orzo salad, lemon herb vinaigrette, easy pasta salad, summer salad, potluck recipe, vegetarian salad

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/fresh-greek-orzo-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-lemon-herb-vinaigrette-guide/