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    Home » By Ingredient » Vegetarian

    Lemon Orzo Salad

    Published: Sep 2, 2023 by Andrea Howe · This post may contain affiliate links.

    4 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This delicious and easy lemon orzo salad is filled with fresh and flavorful ingredients, and is a breeze to throw together. Perfect for a potluck or meal prep, make it using my Instant Pot orzo method for even quicker prep and perfectly al dente pasta every time. Add your favorite protein for a perfect main dish pasta salad. 

    Top view of a large bowl filled with Lemon Orzo Salad and lemon slices garnished on the side.

    Orzo is a fabulous little pasta shape because it is versatile; it makes the perfect side dish, with the right ingredients can be a main dish or is an excellent addition to soups and even stuffings. It also works well hot or cold, and the mild flavor allows it to work with a wide variety of seasonings and ingredients.

    This lemon orzo salad recipe is kept on the simpler side with just a couple of fresh vegetables, including grape tomatoes and cucumbers. Keeping the ingredients to a minimum allows the delicious homemade lemon vinaigrette to really standout. 

    Jump to:
    • Why this orzo salad is so perfect
    • Ingredients for lemon orzo salad
    • Quick and easy assembly
    • Recipe tips and ingredient swaps
    • Orzo Salad FAQ’s
    • Lemon Orzo Salad

    Why this orzo salad is so perfect

    • Fresh, simple ingredients that are kitchen staples
    • Perfect for feeding a crowd – this easy orzo salad is perfect for potlucks, holidays and family gatherings
    • Also works well for meal prep, tasting delicious the next day and beyond, as the lemon dressing infuses into the pasta
    • Affordable, and nutritious! Light and not overly filling, this salad offers up 3 servings of veggies and the flavorful dressing is filled with healthy fats from nutritious olive oil and protein packed parmesan cheese
    Ingredients shown are used to prepare a zesty lemon orzo salad to share as a side dish or salad.

    Ingredients for lemon orzo salad

    • 1 batch of cooked orzo – use my Instant Pot method which yields about 2 cups of cooked orzo
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
    • 1 cup crisp cucumbers, cut into 1” pieces
    • ½ cup olives of choice – I love kalamata olives and/or Castelvetrano olives
    • ¼ cup grated parmesan

    For homemade lemon parmesan dressing

    • ¼ cup olive oil – use a good quality extra virgin olive oil with a nutty, spicy tone to really give the dressing some extra flavor 
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice plus lemon zest from ½ lemon
    • ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard 
    • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
    • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
    • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup – important to balance out the savory acidic flavors of the lemon juice, mustard and vinegar with just a bit of sweetness
    • Salt and black pepper to taste 

    Quick and easy assembly

    Begin by cooking the orzo pasta according to package directions on the stove top. Or, I highly recommend trying it in the pressure cooker if you have one! Orzo comes out al dente perfect every time in just 2 minutes cooking time. Either way you cook it, allow your orzo to cool to room temperature before assembling the salad.

    Hand pouring lemon parmesan dressing over a bowl of cooked orzo pasta.

    While the orzo is cooking, prep your fresh veggies and whisk up the dressing. Once the pasta is cooled and placed in a large bowl, pour ½ the dressing on top. Give it a couple of good stirs to fully coat the pasta. If you prefer more dressing, go ahead and add the remaining amount.

    Add the remaining fresh ingredients and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with a bit more parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, and serve immediately. 

    Chopped veggies and olives halved in a bowl with cooked orzo and parmesan cheese before combining.

    The salad can of course be made up to a day ahead of your event, just store in an airtight container in the fridge. 

    To make the lemon parmesan dressing

    In a small jar or a salad server like this cute one from OXO, add all the ingredients. Shake vigorously to thoroughly combine ingredients and allow the parmesan to soak into the oil and vinegar. Adjust taste with salt and pepper. This lemony dressing has the best flavor; it’s light and zesty without being overpowering and too tangy. It’s a great balance of fresh flavors!

    Hand squeezing a lemon over oil and parmesan to make a homemade dressing.
    add all ingredients to a small bowl or lidded jar
    Fork resting next to a bowl of homemade lemon parmesan dressing.
    whisk or shake vigorously to combine; season to taste with salt & pepper

    Recipe tips and ingredient swaps

    I tried to keep this salad easy and simple so it can be made in just a few minutes. But orzo pasta is so mild and perfect, you can really get creative and wild with adding in tons of ingredients! Try a few of these suggestions if you have the time and ingredients on hand:

    • Pine nuts would be add the perfect amount of crunch
    • Diced red bell pepper or roasted red pepper would be a tasty addition
    • Mince up fresh basil or fresh parsley, or even a pinch of fresh oregano to add some herby vivaciousness 
    Lemon slices garnish a bright bowl of Lemon orzo salad.

    Orzo Salad FAQ’s

    What should I serve with orzo salad?

    To serve as a side dish, try it with my garlic butter salmon or pesto salmon! 
    If you wish to make this a light but filling lunch or dinner, add grilled chicken, grilled shrimp or a nice piece of salmon.

    Is orzo Italian or Greek?

    While originating in Italy (orzo means barley in Italian), it is extremely popular in other cuisines from the Mediterranean and Middle East.

    ​Is orzo gluten free?

    No, orzo is made from semolina flour, therefore it is not gluten free. If you need a gluten free option, go for long grain rice, cauliflower rice, or a small shape of gluten-free pasta.

    How best to meal prep this salad?

    Store in sealed containers like meal prep bowls or mason jars for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply remove from the fridge and dig in! The zesty flavor is great with a simple protein, for a healthy and nutritious lunch that will help you power out the remainder of the day.

    A serving of lemon orzo salad on a plate, ready to enjoy with parmesan shared over the top.

    The bright flavors of this delicious and easy salad are perfect for a summer salad during the warmer months. Or whip up a batch when you’re missing the sun and want something light and refreshing during the dreaded winter months. Either way, I hope you’ll enjoy it all year long! 

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    Tried this recipe? Please leave a comment and/or rating, letting me know how you enjoyed it! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest, and never miss a post by signing up for my weekly newsletter!

    Lemon Orzo Salad

    Lemon orzo salad is filled with fresh and flavorful ingredients, and is a breeze to throw together. Perfect for a potluck or meal prep, make it using my Instant Pot orzo method for even quicker prep and perfectly al dente pasta every time. Add your favorite protein for a perfect main dish pasta salad.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Author:Andrea

    Equipment

    • 1 Pressure Cooker

    Ingredients

    Lemon Orzo Salad

    • 2 cups cooked orzo use my Instant Pot method which yields about 2 cups of cooked orzo
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
    • 1 cup cucumber cut into 1” pieces
    • ½ cup olives I love kalamata and/or castelvetrano olives
    • ¼ cup parmesan grated

    Homemade Lemon Parmesan Dressing

    • ¼ cup olive oil good quality extra virgin
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice plus zest from ½ lemon
    • ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
    • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
    • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Cook and cool orzo pasta in a large bowl
      2 cups cooked orzo
    • While orzo is cooking, prep fresh ingredients by chopping cucumbers and tomatoes and prepping the dressing.
      1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup cucumber

    To make the lemon parmesan vinaigrette

    • Add all ingredients to a lidded jar like a mason jar, and shake vigorously. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
      ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon honey, Salt and pepper to taste
    • Once pasta is cooled, add all fresh ingredients and half the dressing. Toss and taste. Add more dressing if you wish, and garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
      ½ cup olives, ¼ cup parmesan
    • Serve immediately or make up to a day ahead

    Notes

    To meal prep salad: Store in sealed containers like meal prep bowls or mason jars for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply remove from the fridge and dig in! The zesty flavor is great with a simple protein, for a healthy and nutritious lunch that will help you power out the remainder of the day.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 333mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 251IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @Howe.We.Live or tag #HoweWeLiveRecipes!

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    About Andrea Howe

    Andrea Howe is a Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC PN-L1) and the founder of Howe We Live. As a seasoned home cook of over 20 years, developing and photographing recipes is her passion. Andrea has spent over 10 years in the health & nutrition industry, writing for various publications including Babble and Disney. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, Taste of Home, Yahoo, Buzzfeed and ABC News.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Art Howe says

      September 03, 2023 at 2:25 pm

      5 stars
      Great salad we loved the fresh ingredients and the tangy lemon vinaigrette dressing

      Reply

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    Welcome to Howe We Live. I’m Andrea, a Certified Nutrition Coach and a passionate home cook. I’ve been writing about the health & nutrition industry for over a decade. As a mom of 3, my number one goal is to make eating well as uncomplicated as possible. Let me help you throw together a great meal at home that is both delicious, and healthy-ish. Read More

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