Description
Brighten your meals with this refreshing Easy Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta. Bursting with zesty lemon flavor, creamy feta cheese, and a colorful array of crunchy vegetables, this salad is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a light weekday lunch. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a dish that not only looks stunning but also tantalizes the taste buds. Its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors make it a versatile choice that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or stands alone as a satisfying vegetarian option. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, allowing the flavors to meld together for an even more delightful experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked orzo
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 English cucumber, chopped
- ½ red onion, small diced
- 6 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh parsley and basil
Instructions
- Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente; drain and cool under cold water.
- While orzo cooks, chop the vegetables and herbs.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled orzo with red bell pepper, cucumber, onion, garlic, parsley, basil, lemon juice and zest, olive oil; toss well.
- Gently fold in crumbled feta cheese.
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added protein, mix in grilled chicken or chickpeas. Substitute feta with goat cheese for a unique twist. This salad can be made ahead; just add feta right before serving for optimal freshness.