Today I want to talk about orzo salad with lemon; it’s a delicious and refreshing dish that’s perfect for a hot spring or summer day.
Well, orzo pasta, lemon juice, a variety of fresh vegetables, and herbs are combined to create the flavorful and invigorating dish known as orzo salad with lemon. Orzo, a pasta that resembles a grain of rice and is small and simple to prepare, is ideal for salads.
Do you want that we directly jump to the recipe portion? So, here it is.
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Easy Recipe of Orzo Salad with Lemon
Have you ever made it yourself? Try this easy recipe at home.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
10 Minutes | 10 Minutes | 20 Minutes | 10 |
The following ingredients are required for you to produce a tasty orzo salad with lemon:
Ingredients
- 1 serving of orzo pasta
- Lemon zest, 1 teaspoon
- Red onion, cut into 1/4 cup
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice, fresh
- To taste, add salt and pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup
- 1/2 cup of feta cheese crumbles
- 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes
- 14 cups of freshly chopped parsley
- a quarter cup of minced fresh mint
- Half a cup of pitted and divided Kalamata olives
Directions of Orzo Salad with Lemon
- When you have everything you need, it’s time to get cooking!
- Start by preparing the orzo pasta per the directions on the package
- To cool the pasta down, drain it and give it a quick rinse under cold water. Set aside
- Then, put the red onion, feta cheese, parsley, mint, Kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes in a big bowl
- Toss everything together in the bowl with the orzo pasta after it has cooled
- Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a separate small basin
- After the salad is thoroughly covered, drizzle the dressing over it and toss to combine. To taste, add salt and pepper
- That’s all, then! Your lemon-orzo salad is prepared to be served
- This recipe works well as a main course or even as a side dish
- The orzo pasta and feta cheese give the salad a filling heartiness, while the lemon dressing gives it a bright and refreshing flavor
Hence, this orzo salad with lemon is sure to wow whether you’re looking for a quick and simple dish to put up for a weekday dinner or something to bring to a potluck or BBQ. Try it out and tell us what you think!
Serving Suggestion
The orzo salad with lemon can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions to get you going:
- This salad is a wonderful addition to any meal. It goes very nicely with grilled fish or pork
- This salad is a terrific choice if you’re searching for a light and refreshing lunch. To make it more filling, you could also add some grilled chicken or shrimp
- For potlucks and picnics, this salad is the ideal dish. It is an excellent choice for outdoor events because it can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled
- As a choice for dinner preparation, this salad is also fantastic. You can prepare a large quantity on Sunday and divide it up into servings for lunch or dinner all week
- For a larger spread, you could also serve this salad with other salads. Both a Greek salad and a straightforward green salad would be excellent choices
This lemon orzo salad will be a hit with everyone, no matter how you serve it!
How to Store Your Leftover Orzo Salad?
You can use the salad within 3 to 4 days after it has been cooled and refrigerated in an airtight container. If necessary, reheat before serving.
Moreover, in addition, because it is flavorful and filling, green apple salad is a great choice for a summertime picnic.
Tips for Making the Best Orzo Salad with Lemon
One of my all-time favorite foods to prepare during the summer months is orzo salad with lemon. Because it’s light, energizing, and so delicious. Here are some tips to help you get started if you’re wanting to prepare the best orzo salad with lemon.
Prepare the Orzo Properly
The proper preparation of the pasta is essential for a delicious orzo salad. Making ensuring the orzo is cooked al dente will prevent it from becoming too mushy or firm. Make careful to salt the water before adding the pasta and follow the directions on the package.
Include Fresh Vegetables
The orzo salad is a fantastic way to include more vegetables. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and bell peppers are a few of my favorites. For an additional flavor boost, add some fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro.
Lemon Juice and Zest
This dish’s lemon component gives it a fresh, tart flavor that ties everything together. Lemons should be firstly zested and then juiced. You should season the dish with both juice and zest.
Nutrional Information
Calories | 200-250 |
Protein | 6-8g |
Fat | 6-10g |
Carbohydrates | 30-35g |
Fiber | 3-4g |
Sugar | 2-4g |
Sodium | 250-400mg |
Variations on Orzo Salad with Lemon
You can add some vegetables to your salad for some variety. Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, and olives are a few delicious alternatives. You may either leave them in larger bits for a more rustic vibe or neatly slice them.
Well, you may also try adding some grilled vegetables, like zucchini or eggplant if you’re feeling daring. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all fantastic options for adding protein to salads. Sliced almonds or sunflower seeds are good additions if you want to add some crunch.
You can include cheese to give your salad even more taste. For this recipe, feta, goat cheese, or parmesan all go well. The cheese can either be incorporated into the orzo and other ingredients, or it can be sprinkled on top of the salad.
Finally, you may add some dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins, to your salad to give it a little sweetness. You can also add some chopped fruit, such as apples or strawberries if you’d like something, fresher.
Health Benefits of Eating Orzo Salad with Lemon
Did you know that orzo salad with lemon offers several health advantages in addition to being delicious? Eating orzo salad with lemon has several health advantages. Here are a few benefits:
Rich in Fiber
The whole wheat flour used to make orzo pasta is high in fiber. Consuming meals high in fiber can help you feel fuller for longer, improve digestion, and lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Rich in Protein
You can add chicken, tuna, chickpeas, or other types of protein to orzo salad. Building and mending tissues, enhancing immunity and controlling hormone synthesis all depend on protein.
Rich in Minerals and Vitamins
Your orzo salad’s nutritious content can increase by including veggies. For instance, spinach is a superb source of iron and vitamin K, but tomatoes are abundant in vitamin C and potassium.
Supports Skin Health
Vitamin C, found in abundance in lemon juice, is essential for the formation of collagen, a protein that maintains skin tight and youthful. Vitamin C-rich foods, like lemons, can help maintain healthy skin.
Conclusion
This tasty and adaptable orzo salad with lemon can be prepared in a variety of ways. This salad is a terrific alternative if you’re searching for a side dish, a light lunch, a potluck dish, or a meal prep option.
Orzo pasta, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette combine to provide a flavorful and fulfilling dish that is appropriate for any occasion.
Why not give it a shot and see for yourself just how tasty it can be? We sincerely hope you adore this dish as much as we do!
FAQs
After cooking the orzo pasta per the directions on the package, combine it with chopped herbs, vegetables, and a dressing consisting of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. For more flavor, you can also include extra ingredients like feta cheese or grilled chicken.
If you choose fresh, nutrient-dense veggies and moderate the amount of oil and cheese you use, orzo salad with lemon can be a healthful dish. Furthermore, a wonderful source of fiber and carbs is orzo pasta. But the precise items you employ will determine the dish’s overall nutritional worth.