Description
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish combining tender orzo pasta, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side, this plant-based salad is bursting with bright flavors and colorful ingredients that create a satisfying Mediterranean experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, roughly chopped
Plant-Based Feta Cheese
- 1/2 cup plant-based feta cheese, crumbled
Lemon Dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (natural)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: While the orzo is cooking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and roughly chop the fresh parsley and dill. Set aside.
- Whisk the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and emulsified.
- Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped vegetables, kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and crumbled plant-based feta cheese. Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or thin lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcook the orzo to avoid a mushy texture; it should be firm.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, sharpest flavor.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavor blending and texture.
- Adjust parsley and dill amounts to your preferred herb intensity.
- Toss gently to keep ingredients intact and visually vibrant.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Greek Orzo Salad, Lemon Dressing, Plant-Based Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Orzo Pasta Salad, Vegan Greek Salad
