Lemon Dill Orzo Salad with Feta Recipe
This refreshing Lemon Dill Orzo Salad with Feta is a vibrant and zesty pasta dish perfect for warm-weather meals or as a flavorful side. The combination of tangy lemon juice, fresh dill, and crisp vegetables creates a bright and satisfying salad, while creamy feta adds a savory finish. Simple to prepare and served chilled, this salad is ideal for picnics, BBQs, or light lunches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo and Dressing
- 1 lb orzo
- 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from approximately 4–5 lemons)
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 large cucumber, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly diced
- 1 1/2 cups green onions, sliced
- 3/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 3/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Garnish
- 1/2 lb feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente or to your desired level of doneness. Drain well and transfer the cooked orzo into a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake well to emulsify and create a tangy dressing.
- Toss Orzo with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the warm orzo and toss thoroughly to coat every grain. Place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill, stirring occasionally to ensure even flavor distribution as it cools.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Once the orzo is fully cooled, fold in the diced cucumber, red onion, sliced green onions, chopped dill, and parsley. Mix gently to combine.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust salt to taste if necessary. Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese as a savory garnish before serving. Enjoy chilled for best flavor.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest along with the juice.
- The salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored refrigerated; just stir before serving to redistribute flavors.
- To prevent the orzo from sticking after cooking, toss it immediately with a little olive oil.
- Use fresh herbs for the best aromatic impact; dried herbs will not provide the same freshness.
Keywords: lemon dill orzo salad, orzo salad with feta, lemon orzo pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, fresh herb orzo salad
