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Fresh Lemon Herb Orzo Salad with Feta and Olives

fresh lemon herb orzo salad - featured image
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A quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired salad combining zesty lemon, briny olives, creamy feta, and fresh herbs tossed with orzo pasta. Perfect for a light yet filling meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (180g) orzo pasta
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (15g) flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp (8g) dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp (4g) mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 2 tbsp (30g) red onion, finely diced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: cherry tomatoes (halved), cucumber (diced), toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup (180g) of orzo and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain well in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, juice from 1 large lemon, and 1 minced garlic clove. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust lemon or oil if desired.
  3. Finely chop 1/4 cup (15g) flat-leaf parsley, 2 tbsp (8g) dill, and 1 tbsp (4g) mint if using. Dice 2 tbsp (30g) red onion finely. Chop optional cucumber or tomatoes if adding.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped herbs, red onion, 1/2 cup (75g) halved Kalamata olives, and 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to mix evenly.
  5. Pour the lemon-garlic dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything without breaking up the feta too much. Taste and season with more salt or pepper if needed.
  6. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to marry. Give it a final stir before serving.

Notes

Rinse orzo after cooking to prevent stickiness. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Add salt gradually as feta and olives are naturally salty. Let salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to meld flavors. If salad is dry after resting or storing, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb orzo salad, Mediterranean salad, feta olive salad, quick pasta salad, easy summer salad

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/fresh-lemon-herb-orzo-salad-recipe-easy-mediterranean-feta-olive-bowl/