Orzo Salad (Light & Fresh with Lemon Dressing)
This Orzo Salad is light and fresh, full of veggies and herbs with a tangy lemon dressing that makes you want more with each bite! Perfect for BBQs, picnics and more.
Prep time: PT13M
Cook time: PT7M
Total time: PT20M
Rating
5 stars (11 reviews)
Keywords
healthy, no-mayo, pasta salad
Ingredients
9oz / 250g orzo / risoni pasta
7oz / 200g cherry tomatoes
1 medium Persian or Lebanese cucumber
½ red onion
3oz / 90g sun-dried tomatoes
3.5oz / 100g feta cheese
1 bunch fresh parsley
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons oil from the sun dried tomatoes jar
1 large lemon - juiced
Salt to taste
Categories
Salads
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Steps
Boil the orzo pasta in a pot with salted water - make sure not to overcook and keep al dente
Reserve some of the pasta cooking water on the side then drain and add it to a large bowl for it to cool down
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the veggies: Chop the cucumber and cherry tomatoes into small cubes, drain and slice the sun dried tomatoes, and finely dice the parsley leaves and onion*Optional - soak the onions in a bowl of water for 10 minutes to remove the harsh onion flavor
In a small bowl or mason jar, add the dressing ingredients and whisk to combine
Whilst the pasta is still slightly warm, add the dressing along with a couple of tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Add the chopped parsley and stir together
When the pasta has cooled down, add all of the chopped veggies to the bowl. Crumble in the feta cheese and keep some feta on the side for the garnishToss together so it's all nicely coated and place in the fridge for 15 minutes to keep cool and for the flavors to mold together
When ready to serve, garnish with the remaining feta cheese and enjoy your delicious fresh Orzo Salad!
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 340 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Protein: 11 g
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sodium: 225 mg
Sugar: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Reviews
Sarah AKKUS on 2026-05-15 (5 stars): Absolutely delicious. Have given this to many friends and family. Everyone asks for the recipe
Lisa on 2026-03-15 (5 stars): I just made this and it does not disappoint. Love it!
Diane Higgins on 2026-02-15 (5 stars): Delicious
Deb on 2025-09-05 (5 stars): Wonderful salad. I substituted feta cheese with mozzarella , added chickpeas and no onions. I made this without onions, there were people at this function who are very allergic to onions. This salad was a big hit.
btihitte on 2025-07-18 (5 stars): these salads sound delicious and really easy to make with not too many ingredients
R.Gaskell on 2025-07-14 (5 stars): This salad was delicious and easy to make, thank you, I will make it againR
Bonnie Ewing on 2025-06-08 (5 stars): Made the Orzo Salad (Light & Fresh with Lemon Dressing) for special gathering a week ago. Well, it has went viral in the neighborhood. Served it with chicken & Pineapple kabobs. Try this if you not.
Anne Richards on 2025-05-31 (5 stars): This is such a delicious and simple salad!