Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most refreshing and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish that's about to become your new obsession! This Herb Lovers Lemony Orzo Salad is not just a recipe – it's a culinary adventure that combines the brightness of fresh herbs, the tanginess of lemon, and the creamy richness of feta cheese in one irresistible bowl. Perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or as a show-stopping side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup mint, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Pour the orzo pasta into the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare your fresh herbs by washing and finely chopping parsley, basil, and mint. Set aside.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and crumble the feta cheese. Keep these ingredients ready for mixing.
- Once the orzo is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped herbs, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon over the mixture and drizzle with olive oil.
- Gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring even distribution of herbs, cheese, and dressing.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and mix once more.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook orzo al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping. This ensures a perfect texture in your salad.
- Herb Freshness Matters: Use freshly chopped herbs for maximum flavor. If possible, pick herbs just before preparing the salad to capture their most vibrant taste.
- Flavor Infusion Tip: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the herbs and lemon juice to fully incorporate into the orzo, creating a more complex and delicious flavor profile.
- Customization Hack: Feel free to add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or extra vegetables to make this salad a complete meal.
- Serving Suggestion: This salad tastes great both chilled and at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
- Storage Tip: The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it an excellent meal prep option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
