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Easy Zesty Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe with Homemade Lemon Dressing

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A quick and flavorful Greek-inspired orzo pasta salad tossed with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a zesty homemade lemon dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or light meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (about 255g) orzo pasta
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice (from about 2 large lemons)
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: splash of red wine vinegar

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups (255g) orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the orzo in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice, ⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Dice 1 medium cucumber, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, slice ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, finely chop ¼ cup red onion, and chop ¼ cup fresh parsley.
  5. Add the chopped vegetables and ½ cup crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with cooled orzo.
  6. Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to break up the feta too much.
  7. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes at room temperature to let flavors meld. You can also refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for a chilled option.

Notes

Rinse cooked orzo under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent gummy texture. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Soak chopped red onion in cold water for 10 minutes if you want a milder bite. Toss gently to avoid breaking up feta cheese. Add extra olive oil or lemon juice if salad seems dry after resting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek orzo pasta salad, lemon dressing, easy pasta salad, summer salad, barbecue salad, healthy salad, feta cheese salad, Mediterranean salad

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/easy-zesty-greek-orzo-pasta-salad-recipe-with-homemade-lemon-dressing/