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Best Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Zesty Lemon Dressing

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This Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon Dressing is a vibrant celebration of Mediterranean flavors that’s light yet satisfying. Perfect as a side dish or a refreshing lunch, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 red or yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint, optional
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, optional

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. While the orzo is cooling, wash all the vegetables. Dice the cucumber and bell pepper into small pieces, halve the cherry or grape tomatoes, and halve or leave whole the pitted Kalamata olives. Finely mince the red onion, soaking it in ice water for 10-15 minutes if a milder flavor is desired. Crumble the feta cheese into uneven pieces.
  3. In a small bowl or Mason jar, combine the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. If using, add honey or maple syrup. Whisk or shake until well emulsified.
  4. Transfer the cooled orzo to a large mixing bowl. Add the diced cucumber, bell pepper, halved tomatoes, minced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and Kalamata olives. Chop the fresh parsley and dill (and mint, if using) and add to the bowl.
  5. Pour the lemon dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until well coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. An hour or two is even better.
  7. Before serving, stir the salad and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ensure the orzo is cooked al dente and rinsed well to prevent clumping. Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. Allowing the salad to chill enhances the flavors, so don't skip this step!

Find it online: https://crumella.com/best-greek-orzo-pasta-salad-with-zesty-lemon-dressing/