What goes well with orzo pasta salad?

Lemon orzo pasta salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. It's also a great side dish for sandwiches or enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. Consider adding feta cheese or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

How long does orzo pasta salad last?

Orzo pasta salad typically lasts for 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. The texture might soften slightly over time, but the flavors will meld together even more.

What is orzo pasta made of?

Orzo pasta is a small, rice-shaped pasta made from semolina, which is milled durum wheat. It can also be made with white flour, but durum wheat semolina is more common.

Is orzo pasta healthy?

Orzo pasta can be part of a healthy diet. It provides carbohydrates for energy and some protein. Whole wheat orzo offers more fiber and nutrients than regular orzo. The healthiness of a lemon orzo pasta salad also depends on the ingredients added, such as vegetables and lean protein sources.

Can you freeze orzo pasta salad?

Freezing orzo pasta salad is not generally recommended. The texture of the pasta can become mushy upon thawing, and the vegetables might become watery. It's best to enjoy it fresh or within a few days.

Can I make lemon orzo pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! Lemon orzo pasta salad is excellent to make ahead of time. The flavors meld together and improve as it sits. Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You might need to add a splash of lemon juice or olive oil before serving to freshen it up.

Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad: Your New Favorite Summer Side Dish 2026

Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad

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This vibrant and refreshing salad is the perfect companion to grilled dishes. It features tender orzo, a bright lemon dressing, fresh vegetables, and herbs, all tossed with crumbled feta cheese.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 10min
Total Time: 25min plus chilling
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: lunch
Method: boiling
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound (16 oz) orzo pasta
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2-3 large lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 English cucumber, diced
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and rinse briefly under cool water.
While the orzo cooks, make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Season generously with salt and pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, diced red onion, parsley, and dill.
Pour the lemon dressing over the orzo mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Fold in the crumbled feta cheese last to prevent it from breaking down too much.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Let the salad sit for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. It can also be covered and refrigerated for a few hours.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lemon juice, not bottled. Let the orzo cool before adding the dressing to prevent a gummy texture. The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For a dairy-free version, omit the feta and add capers, olives, or toasted pine nuts.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 250
Fat: 13
Saturated Fat: 4
Unsaturated Fat: 8
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 3
Protein: 9
Cholesterol: 15

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/lemon-orzo-pasta-salad/