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–+ servings

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
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 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

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
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