Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The tangy lemon dressing combined with tender orzo and creamy feta creates a bright and refreshing salad. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, picnics, or as a side for your favorite grilled dishes.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

orzo pastafeta cheesecucumbercherry tomatoesred onionfresh parsleylemon juicedijon mustardolive oilgarlic powdersalt and pepper

directions

Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
While the orzo is cooking, chop the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion into small pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped vegetables, and crumbled feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to combine.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Swap the feta for goat cheese or a dairy-free option for a different flavor.
Use arugula or spinach in place of the parsley for added greens.
For extra crunch, add some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds.
Include Kalamata olives for an extra salty, briny flavor.

storage/reheating

Store Easy Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be served cold or at room temperature. If the salad dries out after refrigerating, add a little olive oil and lemon juice before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time. Just make sure to store it in the fridge and add the dressing just before serving if you want to keep the veggies crisp.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta, or a vegan cheese alternative.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Orzo is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or olives to suit your taste.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

Conclusion

Easy Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta is a light, zesty dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fresh side for a barbecue, this salad is sure to hit the spot. Its bright lemon dressing, creamy feta, and fresh vegetables make it a perfect choice for any meal!